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Journalistic Codes of Ethics in Europe 195

Society/State/Government

PUBLIC SPACE

Referent Audience

Media

Source Public opinion

Powerful Weak
interest interest
groups groups

strong accountability
weak or variable accountability

FIGURE 15.1 LINES OF ACCOUNTABILITY (FROM MCQUAIL, 1994)

Accountability

1. To the public:
I. Truthfulness of information;
II. Clarity of information;
III. Defence of public rights;
IV. Responsibilities as creators of public opinion.

2. To the sources and referents:
V. Gathering and presenting information;
VI. Integrity of the source.

3. To the state:
VII. Respect for state institutions.
4. To the employers:
VIII. Loyalty to the employer.