Nova is establishing an Ethics Panel, an advisory body to the Chief Executive, focused on the ethical aspects of audiovisual productions inspired by real events.
The Nova Group is establishing a new Ethics Panel to address the ethical aspects of audiovisual productions inspired by real events. This new advisory body to Chief Executive Officer Daniel Grunt is intended to help “establish a responsible approach to sensitive topics, protect the dignity of those affected, and contribute to the cultivation of standards within the Czech media environment”.
The panel comprises former Human Rights Commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, Director of the Locika Centre Petra Wunschová, Chairman of the Association of Audiovisual Producers Vratislav Šlajer, Pavlína Komedová, President of the White Circle of Safety organisation; Zdeňka Zimová, Chief Legal Officer at TV Nova; and Lucie Š., who represents the perspective of the bereaved families of crime victims.
“As the leading domestic producer of content inspired by real events, we are aware of the responsibility we bear towards the public and the Czech audiovisual sector. The Ethics Panel is intended to be a space for professional reflection and open debate on the complex issues raised by contemporary television production,” said Daniel Grunt, CEO of the Nova Group.
The panel’s establishment responds to the growing popularity of stories based on real events and the ethical questions associated with them. These relate, for example, to working with real-life models, victims and their bereaved families, privacy protection, and the psychological strain on crew members. The panel’s role is intended to be preventive, consultative and methodological.
Michal Reitler, Head of Development at TV Nova and Oneplay, emphasised that the aim is to tell powerful stories responsibly. “We are aware of the social values that stories inspired by real events can bring. We are equally aware of the risks and responsibilities. We want to tell stories that have happened, but which need not happen again. And to do so responsibly and urgently,” he said.
TV Nova’s head of legal affairs, Zdeňka Zimová, pointed out that the legal framework for such content is usually clearly defined, but ethical boundaries shift in line with societal sensitivities. “This makes it all the more important to discuss these topics on an ongoing basis and seek a responsible approach that goes beyond the scope of the law itself,” she said.
According to Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, this is a significant step in the Czech media landscape. “Audiovisual content has a huge influence on public debate. Identifying core values – such as dignity, victim protection or the best interests of the child – helps create an environment in which there is less room for insensitive or harmful practices,” she said.
Vratislav Šlajer, chairman of the Association of Audiovisual Producers, also expressed his support for the initiative. According to him, the association wishes to contribute to the debate on how to handle sensitive topics professionally and with respect for the people they affect.
Lucie Š., representing the perspective of the bereaved families of crime victims, highlighted the importance of open communication from creators. “I would very much like creators to be able to listen, reflect on feedback and respond sensitively to the fact that some things can still be painful for victims or their loved ones, even years later,” she said.
Petra Wunschová, director of the Locika Centre, added that projects inspired by real events should also provide information on support options and warn viewers in advance about sensitive content. Pavlína Komedová, president of the White Circle of Safety, then highlighted the importance of stories from people who have managed to overcome violence or manipulation.
The ethics panel is set to meet several times a year to discuss upcoming projects and specific topics. Its activities will also include formulating recommendations and sharing examples of good practice with the professional community.
Nova is thus also responding to the criticism it faced following the launch of its recent premiere miniseries*Metoda Markovič: Straka* about the Spartakiad killer, when the daughter of one of the victims voiced her disapproval.
Source: mediaguru.cz
