Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information

Adopted in October 1995 by a group of experts in international law, national security and human rights, these principles seek to promote clear recognition of the limited scope of restrictions on freedom of expression and information that may be imposed in the interests of national security.

South Africa: Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000
http://www.privacy.org/pi/countries/south_africa/access_info_bill.pdf

This act establishes a detailed regime for accessing information in the hands of public institutions, individuals and private bodies. It establishes the right of any person to access records held by public bodies, subject to specific exemptions laid out in detail.

Council of Europe recommendation on the guarantee of the independence of public service broadcasting

Adopted by the CoE Committee of Ministers in 1996, these recommendations promote the inclusion in domestic law, or in instruments governing public service broadcasting organisations, provisions that guarantee their independence in accordance with a specific set of guidelines.

Windhoek Charter on Broadcasting in Africa

Adopted by participants at the Windhoek Conference: Ten Years On: Assessment, Challenges and Prospects in May 2001, this charter sets out specific principles for broadcasting in Africa, recognising this medium's central role as a source of public communication and information throughout the continent.

Australian Press Council
http://www.presscouncil.org.au/

The APC is a self-regulatory body of the print media. Established in 1976, it has two main aims: to help preserve the traditional freedom of the press within Australia and ensure that the free press acts responsibly and ethically. It is funded by the newspaper and magazine industries, and its authority rests on the willingness of publishers and editors to respect its views. Its members represent publishers, journalists and members of the public.

International Federation of Journalists: Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists
http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Issue=ETHICS&Language=EN

Adopted by the 1954 World Congress of the IFJ and amended in1986, this international declaration is proclaimed as a standard of professional conduct for journalists engaged in gathering, transmitting, disseminating and commenting on news and information in describing events.

British Broadcasting Corporation: Producers Guidelines
http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/policies/producer_guides/

These guidelines make up the BBC's code of ethics for its programme makers. The guidelines have advice on standards including accuracy, impartiality, politics, elections, fairness, taste and decency and the welfare of children. The guidelines have been slightly revised from July 2004.

Code of Journalists of the Republic of Slovenia
http://www.uta.fi/ethicnet/slovenia.html

Adopted in 1993, this detailed code contains a special article relating to the separation of journalistic and political activity. It also explicitly prohibits the performance of an acquisition, acceptance of a bribe or the publishing of information that serves the purpose and benefit of an outside ordering party.

Periodistas Frente a la Corrupción (Journalists Against Corruption)

The PFC network aims to strengthen democratisation processes in Latin America by promoting ethical watchdog journalism. Its principal activities consist of investigative assistance; free press monitoring; and outreach work to promote the media's watchdog role. The PFC network is an important point of reference for media that report on corruption. It includes almost 700 Latin American journalists in all Spanish speaking Latin American countries (minus Cuba and Puerto Rico), along with several correspondents in Canada, the U.S., Prague, and Israel.

For additional information contact: contacto@probidad.org

Freedom House: Trainer Training for Investigative Reporting and Human Rights in Algeria
http://www.icfj.org/algeriaeng.html

This Freedom House organised workshop offered journalists training in investigative reporting and coverage of human right issues in Algeria. It included discussions on the rule of law, human rights and media law in the country, as well as the importance of journalist ethics and their relation to Algerian law.

IMPACS Cambodia Journalists' Training Project

Organised by the Canadian-based Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society, this project focused on the development of a more independent, open and accountable media across Cambodia by improving the quality of information disseminated. IMPACS worked with several partners including the Women's Media Centre, Cambodian Communications Institute, and Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Institute for War and Peace Reporting: Training Programme
http://www.iwpr.net/training_index1.html

IWPR's strategy focuses on building a strong network of local journalists. Trainers are selected with local cultural attitudes in mind, and training materials tailored to meet specific needs in each national or regional media space. IWPR works with both novice and experienced local journalists, targeting efforts in two main ways: direct training of local journalists, and building local capacity for journalist training. The former addresses the immediate public needs of post-conflict and transition societies, while the latter aims to create long-term sustainable programmes.

International Center for Journalists: Training Programmes
http://www.icfj.org/programs.html

ICFJ's programmes, developed by journalists for journalists, share good practices of the journalism profession in two ways: by deploying U.S. journalists and managers overseas to train and consult, and by bringing overseas media professionals to the United States. Long-term programmes and strong follow-up activities are favoured, and online mentoring is often conducted following on-site training. The Center's trainer-training programs enable journalists to continue to share skills long after ICFJ's trainers have departed.