The Global Council of Journalists (KGK) stated that ethical values in journalism are being disregarded and that the profession’s prestige and credibility, as well as the public’s right to receive accurate news, must be protected. The Council, which has representatives in 88 countries and 81 provinces, emphasized that journalism is an independent field of expertise that serves the public interest and is based on a high level of trust.
The statement noted that commercial partnerships outside the media, corporate management positions and capital relationships could cast a shadow over the impartiality of news reports, adding that journalism and commercial interests cannot be brought together. It said that commentary, presenting programs or showmanship alone would not make a person a journalist. It called for journalism and spokesperson roles to be separated and for the title not to be instrumentalized for public relations, consultancy, lobbying, political or commercial purposes. KGK stated that it stood by journalists who did not compromise on ethical principles despite economic difficulties, would monitor violations and expected its members to comply fully with the rules.
Why it matters
The statement sets out a framework in which the title of journalist must be evaluated not only in terms of producing content, but also together with responsibility for independence and the public interest. This approach aims to make the boundaries between news and promotion, representation or commercial activity more visible for media organizations, journalists and the public. The warning concerning commercial partnerships and capital relationships points to the impact that potential conflicts of interest regarding the impartiality of news can have on professional credibility. KGK’s stance of monitoring violations and expecting its members to comply with the rules turns the statement from a merely principled assessment into a call for professional responsibility; however, it does not specify how these principles will be applied in specific cases.