Informations about the legal basis for journalistic jobs

The legal basis for all journalistic activities is enshrined in the Basic Law as the press is present. In return, every journalist is obliged to respect the personality and copyrights. The German Press Council has also set in the "press code" journalistic principles, which is understood as a journalistic "code of honor." Each of a press job seeking should be bound by this Code. The top priority of the Code is respect for truth, respect for human dignity and accurate informing of the public. The disseminated information is always careful to check their veracity. The real purpose of the message may not distorted or falsified. Published false news should be made promptly correct.

Confidential information protected by professional secrecy and confidential sources are important to protect. Finally, of course, always true to the privacy rights to avoid defamation and discrimination, and to refrain from all things, the sensational portrayal of violence. Failure to comply with the Code should be pronounced by the Press Council complaints will be printed in these pages or in the broadcast channels. This practice has unfortunately prevailed in Germany, not really. Of course, the coverage of controversial issues is always a balancing act. Just think of the Mohammed cartoons or the reporting of sensationslüsternde Gladbeck hostage crisis. In reporting on the recent shootings at schools is currently being considered even a public information regulation. Where does neutral journalism and where does discrimination and incitement? The boundaries are also blurred and need to be revisited constantly. For example, the many new jobs in the Internet press - here is control and regulation is currently almost impossible.

Or the ability to manipulate modern image editing programs a reality. Thus, public debate ever louder about the personal responsibility of the press. The tabloid is, for example for years in the period to clinch the German Press Council, which requires editors more self-responsibility in reporting.

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