Any department dealing with a real case must take care. The defence of public interest is of very limited value in cases of contempt. Judges may overlook minor or unintentional acts. They may also resist attempts by third parties to use contempt as a means of preventing the broadcasting of material of proper interest to the public. There is a statutory right to provide a fair, accurate and contemporaneous account of court proceedings heard in public, but this right is qualified.
Judges have the freedom to postpone the reporting of an entire case or certain details of it.
Programme makers who feel they may be in danger of committing contempt of court should consult the BBC s Legal Advice Department.