Ethics as a Vehicle for Media Quality

Abstract

Given the connection between the media and democracy, the question of media quality is important. A recurring theme is the distinction between positive and negative aspects of media quality: what is required and what is prohibited. The legal route to media quality is considered and accepted as necessary, but not sufficient. It needs to be supplemented by the ethical route, understood as a competence to deploy ethical consideration in professional practice. The idea of ethical standards being provided by a code of practice is considered, and the (British) Press Complaints Commission's Code is examined as an example. The conclusion is that codes have their limitations but overall the ethical route is indispensable, although in need of further exploration.