Codes of Practice and Ethics

Journalists are governed by regulatory bodies, as well as by the law, in an effort to "guard the guardians." The codes and guides cover journalistic behaviour in getting a story and denote what is and isn't justified:

• How far can we go to get a story?
• What practices are legitimate?
• When do circumstances make a difference?

The codes help to guide journalists with what is in the public interest and what is legal and ethical. Ethical behaviour is important as it protects the trust between readers/viewers/listeners and not only the journalist but the organisation they work for and the media in general. This is important as without trust, the publication cannot succeed e.g. after the News of the World phone hacking scandal, so much trust was lost in the paper that it was not worth continuing running the paper, hence its closure.


Different Regulatory Bodies


Press Complaints Commission (PCC) - newspapers and magazines - whilst this is still in operation at the moment, the PCC is to be superseded by a new organisation following the phone hacking scandal and Leveson inquiry.
Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) - newspapers and magazines - similar to the PCC, IPSO is a voluntary organisation that is independent of both government and the press and is set to take over from the PCC.
The Royal Charter - newspapers and magazines - statutory regulation of the press; condemned by some as having the potential to impact upon the freedom of the press.
BBC Editorial Guidelines - BBC - self-regulatory body governing the BBC.
Office of Communications (OFCOM) - Broadcasters - Independent licencing body with statutory powers. Does have powers over the BBC but usually complaints are handled internally (see above).
National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Code of Conduct - union


Examples of key areas covered:

• Requirements for Accuracy & Impartiality*
• Ethical Behaviour
• Fair Treatment
• Protection of vulnerable groups

OFCOM Powers


Include:

• Direction not to repeat programme
• Corrections or findings must be broadcast
• Impose fines - up to 5% revenue
• Revoke Broadcast Licence

Impartiality


Whilst impartiality is a requirement for broadcast, it is not a prerequisite within print. Broadcast news needs to be absent of bias and preconception and should consider the various "axes of debate".


Examples of Unethical Behaviour


Sachsgate - BBC Trust suspended Jonathan Ross for 12 weeks and set up a register for "high-risk" programmes.
Ant & Dec phone in - fined £5.6 m for abusing phone-in votes to make money.
McAlpine affair - The BBC apologised and paid McAlpine £185,000 in damages plus costs which he donated to charity.