Press Council on the Hirschmann Case: Even Tabloid Celebrities Are Not Fair Game
Even tabloid celebrities are not fair game. Journalists must adhere to certain rules when reporting on them as well. This is what the Swiss Press Council states in connection with a complaint filed by Carl Hirschmann, a Zurich-based millionaire heir and nightclub owner.
In general, the media may also report on tabloid celebrities "in a less pleasant context" and mention their names, writes the Press Council in its considerations published on Thursday. However, the reason for the celebrity and the subject of the report must be related.
Although reporting on such celebrities can hardly be justified by public interest, it is justified by the "very far-reaching general consent" of those affected. Anyone who "exposes themselves in the public spotlight, pushes themselves in front of microphones and cameras at every opportunity or at least willingly allows themselves to be photographed and quoted" must expect this.
Even a flood of media reports following an event such as an arrest does not, in the opinion of the Press Council, violate the presumption of innocence from the outset. However, the reports must indicate that there has not yet been a final conviction.
Facts and fairness
Media professionals should not be tempted by the pressure to publish daily news about a "case" to "publish mere rumors and suspicions without checking them". These can only be the starting point for research. The result must be an "airtight statement of fact".
And journalists should also not forget the consultation rule, writes the Press Council: they are obliged to consult those affected by serious allegations before publishing them and to reflect their opinion "at least briefly and fairly" in the report. If a person affected and their representative - such as a lawyer - cannot be reached, this must be explicitly stated in the report.
Responsible selection
And finally, according to the Press Council, journalists are in any case obliged to select their information in a responsible manner and also "to take into account the effect that a media avalanche has on those affected". So-called "pack journalism" in particular poses the risk that professional ethics rules are frequently violated.
Overall, the Press Council regrets that in recent years, tabloid topics have "increasingly been given disproportionate weight in quality media as well". At the same time, the "function of the media as 'watchdogs' of democracy" is tending to be pushed back.
