AWG launches new Code of Conduct for television

22 May, 2015

The annual meeting of the Australian Writers Guild has approved a new Code of Conduct for television writers.

The new code was launched at the AWG Annual General Meeting in Sydney on 21 May 2015.

AWG Vice President and chair of the Guild’s Television Committee Mac Gudgeon says that, for the first time, television writers in all formats have simple and straight-forward set of guidelines to follow in their work.

“What we’re hoping to achieve is consistent work practices for our members so disputes won’t arise.”

“And when all writers are on the same page, adhering to the code and behaving ethically, consistently and professionally, that consistency will lead to more respect for writers and in the industry as a whole.”

Mac says the new Code of Conduct is the result of research and extensive consultation by the Guild and with their members and key stakeholders.

“The code is not legislation,” Mac says. “It is better than that.

“It says these are the principles that should underpin our work and drive the pursuit of excellence and this is how it should be done in practice.”

The new code has been posted on the AWG website. The Guild welcomes feedback from members on how well or otherwise it is applied.