The Ethics of Transparency: A Review of Corrections Language in International Journalistic Codes of Ethics

Abstract

Journalistic codes of ethics (N = 88) from 55 countries were analyzed for their discussions of errors and corrections. The sample includes codes from press councils, broadcast media outlets, newspapers, digital media outlets, radio stations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Overall, the codes were similar across countries. Most included a discussion of the error-correction process (the “how” of corrections), as well as an explanation of normative values (the “why” of corrections). Details regarding correction placement and speed were particularly common across codes. Results suggest codes that emphasize correcting harmful errors were slightly more common in the codes from countries with greater press freedom, and there was some indication that codes that provide cursory guidelines about corrections and accuracy were more likely to come from countries with less press freedom. Implications for journalists and media organizations are explored.