Codes of Conduct update

There are 4 main codes of conduct that apply to journalists and news organisations.

1. NUJ – National Union of Journalists 

This is the primary body for journalists and is followed by the major media organisations.

2. IPSO – Independent Press Standards Organisation 

This has replaced the PCC (Press Complaints Commission). It’s the code that will adopt some key areas of the Editors Code of Practice. It’s the press body for journalists working for newspapers, magazines and online publications.

3. OFCOM – The Office of Communications 

This is the broadcasting code for television and radio

4. BBC Guidelines 

The BBC conduct their own standards and values

All these codes are important because it guides journalists through ethical issues and provides a benchmark for behaviour. The law is specific and very limited. Journalists must reassure audiences that they can build their trust.

Press Regulation

Journalists working in print or broadcast must take into consideration that there are vital regulatory rules to follow.

A new watchdog introduced in 2014 – the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) has replaced the Press Complaints Commission (PCC).

There are no state controls in the UK in regards to running newspapers, magazines and websites. Anyone can start a new publication. Press freedom keeps the British media effectively free from state interference.

The PCC came into effect in 1991 to relax statutory regulation. It regulated the conduct of editors and journalists and dealt with complaints against newspapers, magazines and websites.

But the Guardian announced in 2011 the colossal scale of phone hacking by the now defunct News of the World. This led to the closure of the PCC because many people saw it as ineffective. For instance, sanctions were feeble and they didn’t impose fines. In 2012, David Cameron appointed senior judge, Lord Justice Leveson to hold a public inquiry into ‘the culture, practices, and ethics of the press.’

A key issue that rocked many editors and press groups was the fact that Leveson wanted future governments to influence press freedom. Parliament approved a Royal Charter system based on Leveson’s recommendations. But the papers disagreed with the proposal. So instead most newspapers and magazines agreed to fund IPSO which is free from state involvement. There are exceptions such as The Guardian, Financial Times and the London Evening Standard.

IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation 

• New regulator for newspapers, magazines and websites
• Has a low cost arbitration scheme
• Imposes fines of up to £1 million
• The code will be based on the Editor’s Code of Practice
• Complaints must go to the editor first. If complainants are not happy with their response – they can contact IPSO for further assistance.
• Requirements for apologies and corrections

OFCOM – The Office of Communications 

• Is the state regulator for broadcast journalism in the UK
• Deals with complaints against broadcast journalists and organisations
• The Ofcom broadcasting code states that commercial broadcast organisations must be impartial when covering politics and social issues. Reports must be accurate, treat people fairly, respect privacy and avoid causing harm and offence.
• Imposes substantial fines for breaches of the code.
• Commercial broadcasters cannot transmit without a licence from Ofcom

The OFCOM code has 10 rules that broadcast journalists must follow:

• Section 1: Protecting children and those under 18
• Section 2: Avoiding harm and offence
• Section 3: Crime reporting
• Section 4: Covering religion
• Section 5: Due impartiality and due accuracy and undue prominence of views and opinions
• Section 6: Elections and referendums
• Section 7: Fairness
• Section 8: Protecting privacy
• Section 9: Commercial references in television programming
• Section 10: Commercial communications in radio programming

Journalists must fear Ofcom because it holds many regulatory powers. If you breach the codes of Ofcom they have the power to make you broadcast your corrections or a statement of Ofcom’s findings, not to repeat your programme, take you off air and impose fines of up to 5% of the companies revenue.

The BBC 

The BBC is one of the largest news organisations in the world. The organisation operates as a licence fee system. The BBC’s editorial guidelines sets out standards for it’s own journalism such as undercover investigations.

All their journalistic output is regulated by the BBC Trust. So if any complaints are raised they must be considered by the BBC. But if any broadcast material is too damaging then complainants can contact Ofcom directly if they’re discontent with the BBC’s response.

Some parts of the Ofcom code apply to the BBC. But exceptions are impartiality, inaccuracy and election provisions.

Plus the BBC’s Online College of Journalism trains it’s journalists in law and ethics and is open to everyone for access.

The importance of codes

A journalist’s reputation really matters because we want to develop and maintain a relationship of trust with our audience. Depending on which organisation you work for – always consider the brand. Codes ultimately reassure audiences.

The key areas of the code of practice 

• Ethical behaviour expected from journalists
• Fair Treatment
• Respect for privacy
• Requirement for accuracy and impartiality
• Protecting children and young people