APPENDIX 12
Memorandum submitted by Mr Phil Maselli
My name is Phil Maselli. I am a journalist in
Italy, and specifically I am the coordinator of international
relations for the "Ordine dei Giornalisti", in Rome.
In that position I have steady international contacts with official
Journalists' Associations in numerous Countries.
I am taking the liberty to address this letter
to you as I have heard about a wide range inquiry to be conducted
in Great Britain pertaining to the media and their regulation.
By experience I can state that the British Press self-regulatory
codes of conduct and ethical standards have been and are considered
as highly exemplary in all free and democratic Countries. The
continuity of such a tradition is certainly carried on today by
the Press Complaints Commission. Therefore I should like to submit
to your attention some observations based on an international
perspective and experience.
Briefly: Italy's "Ordine dei Giornalisti"
is a country-wide and officially recognised self-regulatory professional
institution. Medical doctors, lawyers and other leading professions
also have their own specific self-regulatory "Ordine"
in this Country. Each Ordine has the official task and prerogative
to identify, update and sanction professional ethical standards
and codes of conduct. Membership in a professional Ordine entails
thorough abidance by those self-regulatory rule, with the understanding
that an Ordine may take a range of disciplinary actions in case
of deliberate breach or non-observance. The "Ordine dei Giornalisti"
comprises a national council whose members are professional journalists
elected by their colleagues for three-year tenures. Within the
Council there also is a Press Complaints Committee.
Similar self-regulatory bodies, normally Press
Councils, exist and are very effective in all Countries throughout
Europe and in the free world. In Europe there is an active and
well established Association of Independent Press Councils (AIPCE),
which today operates in several Eastern European Countries as
well. Public opinion looks favourably upon these self-regulatory
bodies and their prerogatives, because true self-regulation underpins
freedom of expression as well as thorough and unbiased respect
for the citizens' rights. As Press Councils become active in new
Countries, particularly in those where a free press was nonexistent
until yesteryear, their members invariably seek the suggestions
and support of the most authoritative journalists' institutions,
and undoubtedly the PCC ranks at the top of the list because of
its high profile, reliability and willingness to provide assistance
and advise. As a matter of fact, the PCC periodic activities report
is requested for reference purposes by most Press Councils.
I trust that my observations may contribute
in some measure to portray the validity and prestige of Great
Britain's Press Complaints Commission.
10 January 2003
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