Page 292 - Law and the Media

Professional Regulatory Bodies
While recognizing that this involves a substantial element of self-restraint by editors and
journalists, it is designed to be acceptable in the context of a system of self-regulation. The
Code of Practice applies in the spirit as well as in the letter.

It is the responsibility of editors to co-operate as swiftly as possible with PCC enquiries. Any
publication that is criticized by the PCC under one of the following clauses is duty bound to
print the adjudication that follows in full and with due prominence.

1. Accuracy
1. Newspapers and periodicals should take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or
distorted material.
2. Whenever it is recognized that a significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distorted
report has been published, it should be corrected promptly and with due prominence.
3. An apology should be published whenever appropriate.
4. A newspaper or periodical should always report fairly and accurately the outcome of an
action for defamation to which it has been a party.

2. Opportunity to reply
A fair opportunity for reply to inaccuracies should be given to individuals or organizations
when reasonably called for.

3. Comment, conjecture and fact
Newspapers, while free to be partisan, should distinguish clearly between comment,
conjecture and fact.

4. Privacy
Intrusions and enquiries into an individual’s private life without his or her consent, including
the use of long-lens photography to take pictures of people on private property without their
consent, are not generally acceptable, and publication can only be justified when in the
public interest.

Private property is defined as any private residence, together with its garden and
outbuildings, but excluding any adjacent fields or parkland. In addition, hotel bedrooms but
not other areas in a hotel, and those parts of a hospital or nursing home where patients are
treated or accommodated, are included.

5. Listening devices
Unless justified by public interest, journalists should not obtain or publish material obtained
by using clandestine listening devices or by intercepting private telephone conversations.

6. Hospitals
1. Journalists or photographers making enquiries at hospitals or similar institutions should
identify themselves to a responsible executive and obtain permission before entering
non-public areas.
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