Impress says as the world is constantly changing, it is important the code can adapt to the complex issues in the media today and continue to set the benchmark for evidenced and informed news.
After a thorough review process, involving consultation with members of the public, civil society, academics, journalists, and other industry stakeholders, Impress says it has implemented a number of changes that will help to build trust and improve safety and accountability in the industry, while covering a wider range of digital news creators.
These include guidance on AI and emerging technologies, tougher measures on tackling misinformation, bolstering safeguarding guidelines, lowering the discrimination threshold, and ensuring publications are held to account when the code is breached.
Chair of Impress, Richard Ayre, said: “With more news, more sources, more publishers, more opinions than ever before, the opportunities for journalism are limitless. But nothing’s easier for a journalist to lose than public trust.
“This new code sets the highest ethical standards for Impress publishers, large and small, and whatever their point of view, so the public can confidently engage with the news of today, and tomorrow.”
Impress deputy CEO Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana said: “Impress is determined to face the changing nature of journalism head-on; that is why we have updated our Standards code so that it applies to a wider variety of news creators and their innovative journalism practices.
“Having engaged with folks from all backgrounds in its construction, we are confident the Impress code can help forge a path to greater trust between the public and the news industry.”
You can read the code here.
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