A strong self regulatory media authority will prevent Govt. interference
The absence of a strong self regulatory media authority paves the way for Governments to step into regulate the media, warned Kjersti Løken Stavrum, former Secretary General of the Norwegian Press Association. She made the remarks while delivering a lecture at a seminar titled “What are the Challenges for Self Regulation” at the Sri Lanka Press Institute on Thursday.
Ms. Stavrum served as Secretary General of the Norwegian Press Association for three years. The association is the self-regulatory body for the media in Norway.
The strength of the Norwegian self-regulatory authority stemmed from all print, broadcasting and web media in the country adhering to a single code of conduct. All forms of media from mainstream print media, national and commercial broadcasters to women’s magazines and ‘gossip tabloids’ all followed the same code of conduct, she revealed.
While journalists or media institutions did not risk fines or jail time for violating the code of ethics, the regulatory authority was effective as it had the power to name and shame the offending parties, Ms. Stavrum argued. “It’s humiliating for journalists and editors, and they would try really hard not to be criticised by the commission.”
While there was a school of thought that fines should indeed be imposed for a violation of the code of ethics, Ms. Stavrum stressed she opposed imposing fines as it could result in a situation where offenders would be able to pay their way out. “But this is about addressing your wrongs.”
She further revealed that the regulatory body also had a policy of live streaming on internet, some of the hearings regarding complaints it receives. The public therefore could watch these hearings, unless the complaints involved delicate issues where the complainants did not wish to have them streamed publicly. She proposed that regulatory authorities in Sri Lanka explore the possibility of doing the same thing. “If you relate it to the Right to Information Act where we ask others for transparency, we should also grant transparency the other way around,” she argued.
The seminar also included case studies of complaints brought before the Norwegian Press Association and how such cases may apply to Sri Lanka. Issues such as reporting of suicides, protecting anonymity of people when the topics involved sensitive issues, transparency and respect for privacy were among the topics discussed.
“As long as there is a strong and vibrant self regulation system, the Government will stay away from the media. A strong self regulation system is a reassurance of a free press. Without strong regulation, political powers would love to do the job for you,” Mrs. Stavrum emphasised.
Kjersti Løken Stavrum is a former journalist and editor of newspapers, magazines and news sites. She served as Secretary General of the Norwegian Press Association until last month before leaving to take up a position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tinius Trust, a major shareholder of the media company Schibsted in Norway.
“As long as there is a strong and vibrant self regulation system, the Government will stay away from the media. A strong self regulation system is a reassurance of a free press. Without strong regulation, political powers would love to do the job for you,” Mrs. Stavrum emphasised.