Original scientific paper
Reasons for Adopting or Revising a Journalism Ethics Code: The Case of Three Ethics Codes in the Netherlands
Melita Poler Kovačič
; Faculty of Social Sciences University of Ljubljana
Anne-Marie van Putten
; University of Utrecht, Master of Arts in Dutch language snd culture
Abstract
The authors of this article approached the dilemma of whether or not a universal code of journalism ethics should be drafted based on the existence of factors prompting the need for a new ethics code in a national environment. Semi-structured interviews were performed with the key persons involved in the process of drafting or revising three ethics codes in the Netherlands from 2007 onwards: the Journalism Guideline by the Press Council, the Journalism Code by the Society of Chief-Editors and the Code of Conduct by the Foundation Media Ombudsman. The research showed that while these codes arose from some specific circumstances and needs of Dutch journalism, some of the reasons cannot be described as specifically “Dutch”. Particular problems of journalism which triggered the need for a (new) code, such as ethical dilemmas of online journalism and the invasion of a child’s privacy, also appear in other countries. However, if a code is to be accepted and respected by journalists, it has to respond to the needs which are perceived as needs in a particular environment, based on a particular problem being identified by journalists and other parts of society. The idea of keeping the codes within the boundaries of societies, cultures and traditions does not contradict the idea of a common journalisticideology, which is to be understood as journalists’ common commitment to ethical journalism carried out through journalists’ efforts to introduce efficient self-regulation instruments, including ethics codes, on the national level.
Keywords
ethics code; journalism ethics; journalism ideology; press council; the Netherlands
Hrčak ID:
80462
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2011.
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