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First journalistic self-regulatory mechanism approved in Uruguay
Uruguay’s first ever journalistic self-regulatory mechanism was approved by the General Assembly of the Uruguayan Press Association (APU) Friday. The new Code of Ethics of Journalism represents an important step towards the professionalization of journalists and improvement in the quality of information in the media.
Uruguay joins other countries in the region, such as Chile, that have created self-regulatory mechanisms aimed at ensuring the independence and professionalism of the media. The new code will contribute to the development of improved professional standards and accountability in the media through the creation of ombudsman hearings and mechanisms to evaluate audience concerns. The APU resolution adopting the invites other professionals, media and unions to adopt the Code as a reference to strengthen professionalism.
This resource comes at a particularly important time for the country as it seeks to implement an open call for the allocation of digital television frequencies.
The adoption of the Code of Ethics is the culmination of nationwide debates, comparative studies, a national survey and extensive public consultation on the draft Code that began in 2011. The project was supported by the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), the (APU), the (CAinfo), the (GMS ) of Uruguay, and the for MERCOSUR.
