Code to make press ‘earn respect’

THE press has been warned that a new code of practice for the industry will mean journalists will no longer be able to “insulate” themselves from criticism of their work and will now have to earn the respect of the public.

Professor John Horgan, the press ombudsman, told the National Union of Journalists’ biennial conference in Tullamore that journalists would be wise not to overestimate the affection in which they are held by the general public.

“The lack of any structure of accountability in the past has tended to insulate journalists from much criticism of their work, or to persuade them that it lacked foundation,” he said.