Activities of the Media Council
Self-Regulation of the Media
The goal of the self-regulation principle is to establish control over the media (mass media) by journalists and civil society themselves, in order to prevent the spread of lies, pornography, insults, slander, and unjustified judgments in reports covering criminal cases, as well as other unacceptable actions in journalistic activities. Adhering to this principle protects journalists and media outlets from external control and potential legal penalties.
Self-Regulation Document
Self-regulation of the press as a method for the functioning of free media in democratic countries is implemented through a Code of Ethics or a code of professional conduct for journalists. This document is not legally binding and is developed and adopted by the journalists themselves. The Code of Ethics for journalists has been adopted in many democratic countries, although the scope of its application may vary: it can be limited to a single editorial office, regional, or nationwide.
Ethical Standards in Journalism
Professional ethics for journalists refer to the methods, norms, and rules of ethical behavior for journalists, which are developed, acknowledged, and applied by the journalists and journalist organizations themselves. Despite the lack of legal authority, these standards are under constant scrutiny by public opinion and professional creative unions. The Code of Ethics for journalists reflects, on one hand, the principles and norms of worthy professional behavior, and on the other hand, imposes restrictions and prohibitions on inappropriate behavior by journalists.
Features of Professional Ethics
General norms of professional ethics, when applied in the practical work of journalists, transform into the following rules:
– Journalist – Audience.
– Journalist – Information Source.
– Journalist – Subject of their work.
– Journalist – External author.
– Journalist – Editor.
– Journalist – Editorial team colleagues.
– Journalist – Fellow journalists.