Journalists take too little notice of the Press Council
Newsrooms rarely discuss the statements issued by the Swiss Press Council. This is the conclusion reached by a representative survey of journalists conducted by the Swiss media regulatory body.
A study conducted by the Swiss Press Council on its own statements has produced sobering results. In the study, the Press Council examined how journalists evaluate the work of the Press Council. Only eleven percent of 1329 respondents from 152 editorial offices stated that the opinions of the Press Council were an internal issue. The majority of respondents stated that they only heard about the statements through the media. Only half of them learn about them through agency reports. Although 77 percent of respondents are aware of the statements, only 50 percent rarely or never read them. Nevertheless, nine out of ten respondents know that the Press Council is available to readers and media professionals as a complaints body for media ethics issues. 89 percent are familiar with the declaration of the duties and rights of journalists. In German-speaking Switzerland, only 65% know the name of the President of the Press Council, Peter Studer, and in French-speaking Switzerland only 24%. The other members of the board are rather unknown, except in French-speaking Switzerland, where 64% were able to provide further names.
The majority of respondents rate the Press Council as competent, active and practical. However, 42% are of the opinion that the body has too little public presence.
The majority of respondents rate the Press Council as competent, active and practical. However, 42% are of the opinion that the body has too little public presence.
