Azerbaijani Press Council works out code of professional ethics for journalists

The OSCE Office in Baku and Azerbaijan Press Council have introduced today a revised code of ethics during their joint conference on “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression through Media Self-Regulation”.

The revised document aims to improve journalistic practice on an institutional level and promote professional ethical standards in everyday work. In particular, it builds on the Press Council's earlier Code to further clarify ethical practices in information collection and disclosure, crime reporting and presumption of innocence, and editorial independence and journalists' rights.

Chairman of the Press Council Aflatun Amashov said the revised Code will help journalists focus on their own responsibilities, and will help develop the journalistic culture in the country.
Attending the event, chief of sector of the Presidential Administration`s department for social and political affairs Vugar Aliyev said important steps had been taken in the country for development of the mass media which had created great opportunities for media self-regulation.

Head of the OSCE Office in Baku Ali Bilge Cankorel said codes of ethics adopted by press councils across the OSCE area have proven to be critical tools of self-regulation for the press, through which media can increase their professionalism and preserve editorial independence.
The OSCE Office in Baku and the Press Council previously organized two roundtable discussions to improve ethical standards in journalism.

These events brought together major media stakeholders, including heads of information agencies, leading publishers and top media managers, who co-operated on revising the code of ethics.

Two international experts - Ognian Zlatev, a media expert from Bulgaria, and Martin Fitzpatrick, board member of the Irish Press Council - discussed their countries` respective experiences with ethical codes and media self-regulation.


/AzerTAc/