Independent Press Regulation

What is press regulation?

Press regulation is a way of making sure that member newspapers,  magazines and onlne-only news publications comply with an agreed set of ethical standards and behaviours. These standards include things like accuracy, fairness, privacy and other journalistic principles.  Behaviour includes things like avoiding harassment and subterfuge, unless justified by the public interest. They are set out in detail in the Code of Practice.

The Office of the Press Ombudsman and the Press Council of Ireland provides access to an independent press complaints mechanism that is quick, fair and free.

The complaints mechanism is designed to ensure that the freedom of the press is never abused, and that the public interest is always served. These are the main principles of independent press regulation all around the world.

How does it work?

Press regulation gives people an opportunity to complain to the Office of the Press Ombudsman if they feel that a newspaper or magazine has breached the Code of Practice. The service is free, it's designed to resolve complaints quickly, and because the system is independent, its decisions are always fair. This means it's good for the public... and good for the press.

Why should it be independent?

Independent press regulation is the most objective, credible and transparent form of press regulation. Both the Office of the Press Ombudsman and the Press Council of Ireland are independent of government and, in operation, independent of media. Independent press regulation works best because it relies on the voluntary commitment of member publication editors and journalists to adhere to the journalistic principles contained in the Code of Practice.