Laws, statutes, and codes spell out in detail the conduct required of news

organizations. The use of compulsory government licensing can encourage self-

censorship and stifle dissent and debate. Problems can be created when governments
define truth by enacting insult laws. The liberty of the press is essential to the
nature of a free society.By stopping speech before it is uttered, governments can
stifle discussion and dissent. Journalists’ access to government information is an
essential tool for building and maintaining accountability and democracy. Module 9
SummaryMandatory licensing of reporters has been justified as a means of ensuring
that only qualified individuals engage in journalism. However, this can be used as
a form of censorship.Codes of ethics offer voluntary guidelines to help journalists
make morally and professionally sound decisions. Objectivity treats all facts and
viewpoints as deserving of attention.Opinion columns and editorial commentary
should be clearly labeled and distinguished from objective reporting.A journalist’s
loyalty should be to the public and not to any powerful interest groups -
government or otherwise.Anonymous reporting still has an ethical obligation to be
truthful to the public.