A new report from the Netherlands Council for Journalism, Raad voor de Journalistiek, introduces the TRACK model (Transparency, Representation, Awareness, Commitment, and Knowledge) as criteria for an effective media council system. Authored by Daphne Koene, Secretary of the Dutch Media Council, Raad voor de Journalistiek. The report advocates for investment in these areas to enhance the relevance, authority, and impact of media councils in EU Member States.
The TRACK model was designed based on input from 144 experts and stakeholders in 18 European countries analysing the strengths and weaknesses of EU councils, and the challenges they face. The research delved into the structure and organisation of these media councils, recognising that their operational scope is significantly shaped by their historical, social, economic, cultural, and political contexts. These distinctions are further explored in the country profiles for each media council.
Although there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ model for media councils due to these national differences, the TRACK (Transparency, Representation, Awareness, Commitment and Knowledge) model provides a flexible and applicable framework to strengthen the functioning and impact of self-regulatory bodies in Europe.
“Media councils significantly contribute to improving the quality of journalism and the ethical debate, thereby fostering trust in the media. However, they are not sufficiently visible to the public or proactive enough. That’s why we defined the following criteria - Transparency, Representation, Awareness, Commitment, and Knowledge - to tackle the sticking points and strengthen the operation of media councils,” said Daphne Koene.
The transparency strand requires media councils to ensure clear communication about their mission, structure, complaints procedures and decisions, in order to foster trust within the sector and among the public.
This strengthens representation within media councils, as broad and inclusive participation in both administrative and executive bodies is essential.
A lack of public awareness is perceived to be one of the biggest problems faced by media councils, who are encouraged to actively invest in their visibility, for example through regular publications about their work and participation in debates and public campaigns.
Since media councils are often regarded as toothless tigers, they should ensure a stronger commitment, including active cooperation with their complaints procedure and the willingness to publish their decisions.
Finally, knowledge refers to fostering news literacy amongst the public and understanding amongst media and journalists of the role and significance of the media council. It is also important that media councils have satisfactory knowledge of journalism and society. It is therefore advisable that media councils focus on interaction with the public and media/journalists.
You can read more about the model and browse through the different country profiles below.
