As a journalist, we often have to comply to specific guidelines, depending what news organisation you are working for.
Examples of these are; Ofcom, PPC, BBC editorial guidelines
A big cause of the recent crisis is the phone hacking scandal. Many issues were brought up which put journalists in a negative light and made many people believe the press needed regulating much more than before. A current debate is who guards the guardians? We are journalists are seen as messengers, a figure who is in between the authorities such as government and police and the public themselves. Ultimately, we are used as a voice and 'who polices the police' can come into this topic.
The main codes
- PCC - Newspapers and Magazines
- Ofcom - Broadcasters
- BBC - for BBC staff and licence payers
- NUJ - Code of conduct
The PPC is the press complaints commission. This is the regulation body for newspaper, magazines and written publications as a whole. It was thought that before the phone hacking scandal, the PPC was a body that could be disregarded by print organisations.
Newspaper regulation is currently in limbo as often newspaper journalists simply comply to the regulations of their editor and stick to the guidelines which are used by the newspaper. The press want their own regulator.
A large issue which the PPC are dealing with at the moment is the way the phone hacking scandal has affected them. Ultimately, this was going on whilst the PPC was in operation but the chose not to act.
Ofcom is the licensing authority that relates to TV and radio broadcasters. Ofcom has a lot of power in comparison to the PPC and broadcasters must get a licence from Ofcom before they can broadcast anything. This ultimately, gives a lot of power to Ofcom and furthermore gives broadcasters less leeway. Ofcom can give direction to not repeat a programme, make the broadcasters issue a correction or statement, revoke a broadcast licence and impose fines up to 5% of revenue.
BBC editorial guidelines is for BBC staff and licence payers. They are specifically designed to be a tool for journalists and programme makers, helping them all produce their work to the right style for the BBC.
The BBC college of journalism is also another tool from the BBC is accessible to all and helps train journalists in the laws and ethics of the BBC.
NUJ is the national union of journalists. This is a guide to the type of good conduct journalists should perform.
- They guides us through ethical issues such as;
- How far can we go to get a story?
- What practices are legitimate?
- When do circumstances make a difference?
- The law is specific and limited
- Codes provide a benchmark for behaviour
- Reassure our audiences - build trust
- Ethical behaviour
- Fair treatment - respect for privacy
- Requirement for accuracy and impartiality
- Requirement for broadcasters
- NOT for newspapers - hence Sun or Mail
- Absence of bias or preconception
- Considers ‘axis of debate’
When reporting, it is difficult to decide what are legitimate practices and what are not. When covering events such as funerals. As a journalist you want to cover the event as honestly as possible but it is also essential to respect the family. It is important to make judgement at the time.
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