A recent, failed attempt to obtain an injunction to prevent the UK broadcast of a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary highlights the difficult issues broadcast lawyers must address in the preparation of such programmes. However, the failure of the application will hearten the media and give them confidence that the courts will be slow to bar programmes responsibly made and in the public interest.
On 7 July, 2005, Channel 4 broadcast a programme entitled “Undercover Teacher”. It showed the results of secret filming by a qualified teacher, Alex Dolan. She had been sent as a supply teacher into four schools with a hidden camera. The footage revealed a disturbing picture in three of the schools.
