Self Regulation

Karoly (1993)

“those processes, internal and/or transactional, that enable an individual to guide his/her goal-directed activities over time and across changing circumstances (contexts)

Self-regulation and government regulation are not mutually exclusive but rather are part of a continuum

A self-regulatory mechanism can do better than legislative controls in promoting media

professionalism and ethics

Successful self-regulatory mechanism allows the industry to obtain the trust of public and government

-Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) believes that legislative control is contrast to democracy.

Importance and benefits of self regulatory in media

Minimizing the costs of regulation

Providing clear guidelines to local

media players

Self- Regulatory

Definition When the media is commited voluntarily, not by the force of

law to uphold and protect a set of code of ethics that was drafted by them (Read & Miller, 1989)

How does it work? A complaints mechanism will be established (media council

or complaints commission) – received from the public. Council would judge complaint and find suitable cure for

problems.

Self- Regulatory

Absolutely voluntary to comply with code of ethics.

Main purpose Uphold credibility and professionalism in the

industry. Increase Responsibility, Individualism, Autonomy,

Freedom of speech & choice ( Mahoney, 1991 ; Wescott, 1988).

APC (Australian Press Coucil)

Adaptation of Self-regulatory mechanism: Freedom to inform public regarding issues on public

interests. NOT be subjected to government authority or

regulations. Deal with public concerns to ensure ethical

responsibility.