Regulatory Bodies

Question 1

What is the composition of the Press Council

Answer 1

The Press Council is made up of the owners of newspapers, magazines, and other print periodicals.

There are 13 directors on the council.

7 represent the public interest

5 represent newspaper/periodical owners

1 represents journalists.

THEY ALL ELECT THE OMBUDSMAN

Question 2

Objectives of the Press Council

Answer 2

• to provide public with independent forum for resolving complaints against the press
• to resolve all complaints, quickly fairly and free of charge
• to maintain highest standards of Irish Journalism and Journalistic ethics
• to defend freedom of the press and the freedom of the public to be informed

Question 3

When can you complain to the Ombudsman

Answer 3

1) must be a breach of the code of practice.

2) person making the complaint must show that they have been directly affected by and involved in the article or behaviour in question

Question 4

What are the principles of code of practice

(11)

Answer 4

Principle 1 − Truth and Accuracy
Principle 2 − Distinguishing Fact and Comment
Principle 3 − Fair Procedures and Honesty
Principle 4 − Respect for Rights
Principle 5 − Privacy
Principle 6 − Protection of Sources
Principle 7 − Court Reporting
Principle 8 − Prejudice
Principle 9 − Children
Principle 10 − Reporting of Suicide:
Principle 11 - Publication of the Decision of the Press Ombudsman / Press Council

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Code of Practice

Answer 5

Evolve in response to public opinion

Forms basis of decisions of ombudsman and council

Can complain about article or behaviour of a journalist

Intended to be benchmark for standards

Question 6

Powers of Press Council and Ombudsman

Answer 6

Can’t impose penalties for breaches of the code, or for refusals/failure to abide by the decision.

However , failure to abide by decision of ombudsman/council are factors that can be taken into account by the court in a defamation case where the defendant publisher is relying on the defence of fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public interest (s.26 of Defamation Act)

(a type of quasi enforceability through the courts)

Decisions are published on the website