The media self-regulation guidebook: all questions and answers
Vienna:
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
(2008), 100 pp.
ISBN 3-9501995-7-2
"Composed of questions and answers, this guidebook is practical and easy to use. There is no ‘one-fits-all’ model that can be readily adopted anywhere. Therefore, the publication does not focus on specific countries, but rather on a wide range of practical concerns. How do the existing self-regulatory mechanisms work? What challenges do they face? How to establish or enhance them? Each chapter highlights particular aspects of media self-regulation, including the role of codes of ethics and various accountability mechanisms, such as ombudspersons or press councils. The readers, I hope, will find solutions that they can tailor to their countries’ conditions." (Foreword, p.7-8)
Contents
I. THE MERITS OF MEDIA SELF-REGULATION: BALANCING RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES / Miklós Haraszti, 9
The nature of media self-regulation -- Media self-regulation versus regulating the media -- The promotion of mutual respect and cultural understanding
II. SETTING UP A JOURNALISTIC CODE OF ETHICS: THE CORE OF MEDIA SELF-REGULATION / Yavuz Baydar, 21
Codes of ethics are essential for responsible journalism -- Codes of ethics are diverse -- The content of every code of ethics is unique -- Setting up a code of ethics: the role of media professionals -- Setting up a code of ethics: the role of government and society -- Codes of ethics should be revised regularly and promoted
III. SELF-REGULATORY BODIES: ENSURING RESPECT FOR A CODE OF ETHICS / William Gore, 33
A credible alternative to court procedures -- Moral redress is powerful -- Time limits on complaints are necessary -- All media can be regulated by self-regulatory bodies -- The major challenge: ensuring the public know they can complain
IV. THE PRESS COUNCIL: THE ARCHETYPE OF A SELF-REGULATORY BODY / Ognian Zlatev, 45
The basic functioning of a press council -- Press councils in the OSCE area -- Questions to ask before setting a press council -- Press council structure and rules -- Members and board members of a press council -- Members responsible for handling complaints -- Financing a press council -- Developing press councils in new democracies
V. THE OMBUDSMAN: MEDIA SELF-REGULATION WITHIN A NEWS OUTLET / Véronique Maurus, 67
The evolution of the ombudsman -- The ombudsman's work -- The ombudsman's sanctions -- Creating the position of ombudsman -- The choice of the ombudsman -- Challenges of the ombudsman's position
VI. APPENDIX: EXAMPLES OF COMPLAINTS RESOLVED BY SELF-REGULATORY BODIES, 85
Case 1: Complaint about breach of privacy -- Case 2: Complaint about breach of privacy -- Case 3: Complaint about inaccuracy -- Case 4: Complaint about inaccuracy on a website -- Case 5: Complaint about non-protection of vulnerable persons -- Case 6: Complaint about non-protection of vulnerable persons -- Case 7: Complaint about discrimination
VII. BIOGRAPHIES, 95
The nature of media self-regulation -- Media self-regulation versus regulating the media -- The promotion of mutual respect and cultural understanding
II. SETTING UP A JOURNALISTIC CODE OF ETHICS: THE CORE OF MEDIA SELF-REGULATION / Yavuz Baydar, 21
Codes of ethics are essential for responsible journalism -- Codes of ethics are diverse -- The content of every code of ethics is unique -- Setting up a code of ethics: the role of media professionals -- Setting up a code of ethics: the role of government and society -- Codes of ethics should be revised regularly and promoted
III. SELF-REGULATORY BODIES: ENSURING RESPECT FOR A CODE OF ETHICS / William Gore, 33
A credible alternative to court procedures -- Moral redress is powerful -- Time limits on complaints are necessary -- All media can be regulated by self-regulatory bodies -- The major challenge: ensuring the public know they can complain
IV. THE PRESS COUNCIL: THE ARCHETYPE OF A SELF-REGULATORY BODY / Ognian Zlatev, 45
The basic functioning of a press council -- Press councils in the OSCE area -- Questions to ask before setting a press council -- Press council structure and rules -- Members and board members of a press council -- Members responsible for handling complaints -- Financing a press council -- Developing press councils in new democracies
V. THE OMBUDSMAN: MEDIA SELF-REGULATION WITHIN A NEWS OUTLET / Véronique Maurus, 67
The evolution of the ombudsman -- The ombudsman's work -- The ombudsman's sanctions -- Creating the position of ombudsman -- The choice of the ombudsman -- Challenges of the ombudsman's position
VI. APPENDIX: EXAMPLES OF COMPLAINTS RESOLVED BY SELF-REGULATORY BODIES, 85
Case 1: Complaint about breach of privacy -- Case 2: Complaint about breach of privacy -- Case 3: Complaint about inaccuracy -- Case 4: Complaint about inaccuracy on a website -- Case 5: Complaint about non-protection of vulnerable persons -- Case 6: Complaint about non-protection of vulnerable persons -- Case 7: Complaint about discrimination
VII. BIOGRAPHIES, 95
