Stylebooks, Editorial Status, and Press Councils in Journalism
Stylebooks
Evolution of Stylebooks
From a linguistic perspective, stylebooks have evolved to address various aspects of journalism, including:
- Correct Language: Promoting non-discriminatory and non-vulgar language.
- Journalism Ethics: Addressing intimacy, professional secrecy, information handling, and journalist conduct.
- Separation of Information: Differentiating between news, opinion, and advertising.
- Protection of Rights: Including guidelines on privacy and honor rights.
- Media Identity: Outlining the ideology, historical evolution, and editorial principles of the media outlet.
Editorial Status
Role of the Editorial Board
- Liaison with the company (representing the editorial team).
- Expressing the editorial team’s perspective on the appointment of directors (not a veto power, but their input should be considered).
- Communication with the media director (two-way communication).
- Mediator between different stakeholders.
- Deciding on the application of ethical codes and protecting the media in case of violations.
Conscience Clause
Despite their obligations to the media company, journalists have a higher commitment: the right to public information. If these two principles conflict, the latter prevails.
This right is individual for all journalists and limits what others can ask of them without jeopardizing their autonomy and independence.
In Spain, it first appeared in the Constitution of 1978 and later in Organic Law 2/1997 of June 19th.
It emerged in the 20th century due to the professionalization of journalism (it exists in other professions as well).
It covers ideological and ethical aspects of journalism:
- Journalists can request contract termination if the medium changes its ideology (and receive compensation).
- Journalists can refuse to participate in information that they believe violates ethical principles (and they can be sanctioned for this).
- Right to remove their byline if the medium modifies their work.
- Right to refuse collaboration for ideological reasons.
- Protection against changes in the medium’s ideology.
Ombudsman
The ombudsman plays a crucial role when a media outlet needs to correct information or determine whether an error has occurred. This makes the media less “corporatist” as they acknowledge their mistakes and have a dedicated person to address them.
The position is limited in duration (so anyone can be/stop being the ombudsman): abuses of power are not tolerated.
The ombudsman has no sanctioning power.
They are not in charge of editorial or opinion content.
Some media outlets have an external ombudsman.
Press/Information Council
Introduction
A press or information council is an independent organization that investigates complaints about media performance and, when warranted, issues a resolution judging such performance from an ethical standpoint.
It is the most comprehensive self-regulation mechanism.
It publicly judges adherence to the ethical code.
There is a prior self-regulatory commitment from companies and media, through financial contributions and support for the council’s work.
Collaboration of professionals in the field is essential.
Public participation is encouraged.
Press councils must include individuals not affiliated with the media, which distinguishes them from internal committees and journalist associations.
However, they must also include media professionals.
Both groups must share a characteristic: be individuals with recognized prestige and moral and professional credibility, representing both parts of society.
Functions of a Press Council
- Receive complaints related to media conduct.
- Review and investigate complaints that merit attention.
- Issue a resolution (in some cases) morally condemning the responsible media outlet.
Press Councils Worldwide
Great Britain serves as a reference model for press councils globally (though not the oldest):
- They have fewer laws regarding freedom of the press and expression, making self-regulation more important.
- The press has historical significance and a strong influence on social life.
Brief History of the UK Press Council
(Content related to the history of the UK Press Council would be added here.)
Spanish Press Councils
The first Spanish press council was not established until 1997: the Information Council of Catalonia (CIC), following the code established in 1992.
In 1994, Lorenzo Gomis was proposed as a potential leader.
- An independent council was chosen, separate from the association, backed by the media, and open to the public.
- This was debated within the association’s consulting committee.
In 1996, its foundation was signed by the Journalism Association, journalism faculties, the Journalist Union, and 48 Catalan media companies.
It committed members to support, collaborate, and participate financially, as well as to accepting the moral authority of the council and its resolutions.
After two years of testing, in 1999, they created the Information Council of Catalonia Foundation, which would oversee the council.
Catalonia Information Council
It has its own rules, applicable to all media in Catalonia.
It has 15 members (8 social agents and 7 journalists).
FAPE (Federation of Spanish Journalists’ Associations) attempted to emulate this with its “Deontological Self-Control Commission of Journalists,” but they were unsuccessful. In 2001, they created the “Secretariat of Professional Affairs,” and in 2004, the Deontological Council.
FAPE’s Deontological Council
Renamed the “Complaints and Deontology Commission” in 2006.
Based on Article 23 of the code: “knowing and resolving deontological and ethical questions in journalism according to their own rulebook, following their own initiative or the petition of the Federation or any citizen.”
The commission was “totally independent” and funded by FAPE.
Between 9 and 15 members: legal professionals, journalists, and representatives from Spanish society.
Commission’s Duties
- Inform and advise on matters of journalistic ethics.
- Issuing reports and rulings.
- Processing and resolving documents related to potential breaches of the code.
- Developing other functions assigned by FAPE regarding ethics.