BBC report: 'Risk taking is vital'

The BBC has said that risk taking is key for the broadcaster to succeed in its role, though it added that proper planning is also vital and necessary.

The comments were made as part of the Taste, Standards and the BBC report published this week, which explores public attitudes to morality, values and behaviour in UK broadcasting.

In the paper, led by creative director Alan Yentob and archive content head Roly Keating, the BBC said that the investigation of last year's incident on The Russell Brand Show raised large and broad questions about the issue.

The report read: "Audiences admire performers who take risks but have the expertise to know when to draw a line.

"To support such talent, producers and controllers must always be candid and open with them about judgements of tone and content, and be prepared where appropriate to take and enforce tough decisions."

It added: "Risk taking is as vital a part of the BBC's mission in comedy, drama and entertainment as it is in other genres.

"As with all programme making, the greater the risk, the greater the thought, care and pre-planning needed to bring something groundbreaking to air."

The report makes a number of recommendations, including more training, a clearer policy on censoring strong language, early discussions when commissioning new series, new guidance on humiliation and intimidation, more regular audience research and a revision of editorial guidelines and guidance.