Press Freedom and Globalisation - International Press Institute

Press Freedom and Globalisation
and yet within a new legal framework and with some strings to authorities. 51 Even though
the idea itself was welcomed, voices both inside and outside the press rose against such a
government interference. The Norwegian government then decided not to initiate a media
ombudsman and emphasised media self-regulation. 52 However, even if such a media
ombudsman was considered not to be in accordance with press freedom, this government
initiated process resulted in other reforms where the media itself improved the self-
regulation system. 53
Gathering Information
The right to have information belongs to people, not to media. Due to the press’ social
responsibility it is supposed to serve public with information. This democratic right is the
reason why the right to information is included in Scandinavian constitutions. 54 Access to
information concerns both ethics and law as well as practical circumstances.
The Code of Ethics of the Norwegian Press guides the process acquiring
information. In Norway, it is emphasised as a principle that the press have to protect the
access to official documents. Sources should be identifiable as long as identification does
not come into conflict with the need to protect the sources. Journalists have to be critical in
the choice of sources. Use of anonymous sources implies a special need for critical
evaluation. The press should protect its sources. Such a protection is a basic principle in a
free society and ensures the access to essential information. As a main rule, unpublished
material should not be divulged to third parties. The press may show consideration for
people who cannot be expected to be aware of the effect that their statements may have.
51 Ibid., chapter 5.
52 Statens Forvaltningstjeneste, Ot prp nr 77 (1996-97) : Om lov om endringer i kringkastingsloven
(Medieetikk mv) (Oslo: Statens Forvaltningstjeneste, 1997), sections 4.2-4.4.
53 Correspondance with Øy, e-mail received 16 th February, 2005.
54 Eggen, Ytringsfrihet, pp. 55 and 78; and Krug and Price, “The Legal Environment for News Media”, p. 191.
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