Ghent University’s new research analysed 178 complaint decisions from nine European media councils in 2022, examining how journalism ethics are applied. Building on last year’s study, it adds qualitative analysis and interviews to explore four principles: (1) correction of errors, (2) accusations and insinuations, (3) human dignity, and (4) discrimination, racism and hate speech.
The study is based on nine media councils, among them are councils from EU candidate countries Georgia and North Macedonia, as well as others from Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Slovenia. Across these media councils, most complaints concerned the correction of errors, followed by accusations and insinuations, human dignity, and discrimination, racism and hate speech.
The principles of correction of errors, accusations and insinuations, and human dignity are generally applied in similar ways, with some variations. All councils stress timely and explicit corrections, though challenges remain on social media. For accusations and insinuations, most councils agree that claims must require evidence and a right of reply. Media councils do vary in terms of complainant anonymity, ranging from none (Wallonia, France, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Georgia), to partial (Flanders), to full anonymity (Denmark). Regarding human dignity, and specifically the right to privacy, media councils generally expect public figures to tolerate more media exposure. Some councils, such as Flanders, Denmark, Ireland, and Slovenia, offer specific guidelines on reporting suicide.
The principle of discrimination, racism and hate speech showed the greatest variation. Particularly strict interpretations were observed in Georgia and North Macedonia. In Georgia, gender stereotyping was identified as a recurring issue, prompting the media council to develop specific guidelines for reporting on gender and femicide. The scope of the discrimination principle also varies. In Ireland, the code of ethics includes a defined list of traits, and complaints are only assessed if they relate to these. Other countries apply a broader approach.
The interviews revealed five key challenges faced by media councils. First of all, there is a threat to press freedom, especially in North Macedonia and Georgia, with Georgia being in a particularly critical state.
“This could be the last months, not just for the media council but for independent and critical media and NGOs. They won’t be able to operate because the Foreign Agent Registration Act introduces criminal responsibility.” (Georgia - interview)
Both the Georgian and North Macedonian media councils are also facing financial difficulties. They depend on foreign donors, which are under pressure. France, still a relatively new council, also faces some uncertainty because recognition is still limited. A third challenge is the high workload, especially felt in Finland and Wallonia.
Another recurring challenge is digital media. With each media council, there are online media that don’t always follow journalistic ethics. But the issue is most visible in North Macedonia, with a rise in partisan media which puts pressure on ethical journalism. Furthermore, the question of “who and what is journalism” returns. With influencers, Facebook pages, and other new forms of media, the boundaries are shifting. Finally, the topic of artificial intelligence is on everyone’s radar. All councils acknowledge the risks, but address them differently. Some rely on existing ethical guidelines (Wallonia, Finland, Denmark), while others are developing new guidelines to deal with AI (France, Flanders, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Sweden).
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