The Ethics of Journalism and Democracy

Abstract

Since freedom of information for proprietors, publishers and journalists in the mass media is not unlimited, it is necessary to safeguard its rights but also demand its duties, thus making freedom and responsibility compatible. The Council of Europe points out that proprietors, publishers and journalists have a duty to consider information not as a merchandise but as a fundamental citizen's right — that is to say, that citizens can demand truthful information and ethical opinions. Being exposed to pressure from both public authorities and influential companies, journalists need special protection. The mass media has a decisive role in the development of democracy and public opinion. However, it must not usurp the proper functions of the public authorities nor pretend to represent public opinion because that would be an attempt to act like public authorities yet without having either the representation or the necessary democratic controls. In order to help the media fufil its aim of providing reliable information and ethical opinions, the Council of Europe considers it necessary for the mass media to exercise self-control through proprietors, publishers and journalists submitting voluntarily to deontological codes. As far as the deontic codes are concerned, their influence and prestige can only be maintained if they contain declared ethical principles, mechanisms of self-control and sanctions.