Revised code of ethics introduced at OSCE Office conference on media self-regulation in Azerbaijan

BAKU, 6 September 2010 - The OSCE Office in Baku and the Azerbaijani Press Council introduced a revised code of ethics during their joint conference on "Safeguarding Freedom of Expression through Media Self-Regulation" today. 

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.

"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," said Ambassador Bilge Cankorel, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku, in his opening speech.

"It is our hope that this revision of the Code of Ethics and the Press Council's renewed commitment to these standards will create opportunity and momentum for the de-criminalization of insult, libel and defamation in Azerbaijan."

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.

Aflatun Amashov, the chairman of the Press Council, said: "The revised Code will help journalists focus on their own responsibilities, and will help develop the journalistic culture in the country."

Representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Parliament and civil society also participated in the conference. 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, in particular the influence of the codes on the decriminalization of defamation and libel.