Regulation Research

The Editor’s Code of Practice is a living document designed to protect both the people and the press. It is devised by a committee comprising of 13 editors, but the public are invited to suggest any amendments that they feel necessary. The codes identify what acceptable behaviour is for journalists/editors etc, and also specify the kind of material that can be published. The Editors’ Code of Practice committee explain that they’ve strived to keep the code as “A simple, commonsense and non-legalistic document that maintains a proper balance between protecting the rights of the individual and the public's right to know, which can sometimes compete”.

Some key points incorporate accuracy: The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, including pictures. There is particular focus on restricting journalists from intimidation, harassment or persistent pursuit and creating a mutual respect between members of the public, declaring everyone “is entitled to respect for his or her private and family life, home, health and correspondence”. A recurring theme throughout the code is the protection of children, for example: The press must not, even if legally free to do so, identify children under 16 who are victims or witnesses in cases involving sex offences. The press must not intrude on a child’s education nor should they interview a child under 16 without a custodial parent or similarly adult consents.

I think the Editor’s Code of Practice has been set up to protect not only the public but also the press. By defining the “rules” it is far easier to rectify any issues the public have with a particular publication, without any need for a long drawn out court case etc. Issues can immediately be resolved, or dismissed if they actually do abide by the Editor’s Code of Practice.

I've learnt that I must factor in the Editor’s Code of Practice when creating my alternative music magazine as it may affect the type of material that I can or cannot include within my magazine. For example, if I were to interview someone under sixteen for my double page spread I’d have to check that their parent/guardian was happy with it. Another way I will safeguard my magazine is to let anyone involved double check how I have portrayed them in my magazine before I submit the final draft. Whilst very few institutions do this, those that do avoid any infringement of the Code whatsoever.

The ASA Code is yet another facet of the print media world that I must be knowledgeable of if my magazine is going to be successful. The Advertising Codes contain wide-ranging rules designed to ensure that advertising does not mislead, harm or offend. Ads must also be socially responsible and prepared in line with the principles of fair competition. These broad principles apply regardless of the product being advertised. Fortunately my proposed magazine ideas at the moment do not feature any advertising as I have not been given all that many pages to do. Nevertheless I now know that if I do decide to feature advertising than I will make sure it is as simple as possible, and entirely harmless in order to safeguard my magazine.