To consider the ethical policies of shows such as ‘The Great Sperm Crisis’ and Embarrassing Illnesses we have to first look at the intentions of the show and what they want to accomplish by airing. Both shows are looking to inform and help educate people but they both go completely different ways.
If we look at embarrassing illnesses, people are allowed and expected to come to the clinic to see the doctors to get help and show viewers at home they shouldn’t be embarrassed and show that other people do suffer the same illnesses, this educates and helps viewers at home with problems. Although in recent series it has become more of an entertainment show, viewers having the attitude ‘Better them then me’ it still informs on current illness agenda. As of lately they have also been spreading safe sex and how to check ourselves to help spot early signs of STDs, something that is becoming more apparent in society. Most notably the presenters are qualified trained doctors who do refer patients onto specialists if need be.
on the other end of the scale, the great sperm crisis is a show of going around asking men to donate sperm and be souly for entertainment purposes, although it does have an underlying help for the viewers, i.e. sperm donning so infertile couples can conceive. The presenter is a comedian, which can be good as it allows people to connect using humor, but does take away from its professionalism.
Ethically the great sperm crisis is more likely to cause upset in households and result in complaints as it isn’t clearly seen as helping, where as embarrassing illnesses is.
Resources:
BBC EDITORIAL GUIDELINES – CONSENT
BBC EDITORIAL GUIDELINES – HARM AND OFFENCE
C4 Producer’s Handbook – HARM AND OFFENCE
Craig Turner – Media Production BA (Hons) - 2nd 