Ética Periodística a Principios del Siglo XXI - Monitorando

expected and attributed obligations of the media, and the second concept linked to the
processes by which the media are asked to report on their obligations. BERTRAND, C.-
J. (2001) refers to accountability as a “quality control” that can be made by all parties:
owners, professionals and citizens, alone or in combination; with a positive connotation
(not “moral”); and as something that implies action, not just "talk", through the Media
Accountability Systems.
The basic reference point of all this is the establishment of a code of ethics,
designed and made by journalists, directors and owners/managers, involving
information and entertainment.
Self-regulation arises from the need for accountability of an activity with great
relevance and social impact – an imperative hat, before or independently of legal
precepts, is associated with an ethical requirement, meaning what should be done (and
the way it should be done) to ensure certain principles and values, respect for the rights
of everyone and promote the common good in a perspective of community service 65 .
2. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND FREEDOM OF ENTERPRISE
The activity of professionals of information in the Portuguese landscape has, in
its fundamental principles, postulates legally enshrined as freedom press (article 38 of
the Constitution) and the right to inform and be informed (article 37 of the same law),
which must coexist harmoniously with the business sphere, ranging from market
imperatives to competition logics. It should also be kept in mind the respect for
professionals in charge, faithful to ethical rules and codes of deontology:
To evoke the mission of the press is already approaching its freedom. In
order to assure the right of public to know the facts and opinions, journalists'
independence must be guaranteed and dignity recognized to their profession
(CORNU, D. 1994: p. 59).
In addition, freedom of enterprise itself has legal protection in article 5 of the
Press Law (Law No. 2/99 of January 13). ALFREDO MAIA (2009), President of the
65 Information gathered from Joaquim Fidalgo’s statements to “Jornalismo Porto Net” (available online at
http://jpn.icicom.up.pt/2008/03/31/joaquim_fidalgo_internet_acentua_crise_de_identidade_do_jornalismo.html,
accessed 20/10/2010).
317