Role of the "provocateur" and hidden cameras in broadcast media

We have been talking about media law and media ethics in "Practice of Journalism".

Here are some samples of a document that explains a Norwegian news organization's code of ethics. Note that a network has to attract an audience, so this document explains the role of the "provacetur," (a person with strong opinions who will provoke a response from the audience) and permits the use of hidden cameras as long as the people involved get the opportunity to see how the organizatio nplans to use the footage (and, one presumes, consents).

If any of you have participated in psychology experiments, you probably had to sign a consent form. Why do universities have to uphold a higher standard, in terms of participant privacy, than a broadcast organization? Food for thought.

NRK.no - About the NRK

NRK shall encourage the expression of strong opinions in Norwegian society. It is therefore important that NRK has a provocateurs , who voice these opinions. Such provocation can occur in different forms of causerie, satire, and entertainment.