Central America

This website is a public knowledge resource on media accountability issues and provides an overview of existing media accountability mechanisms in Central America.

Central America has a good Media Accountability System (MAS), equipped with various independent regulatory bodies, such as Media Ombudmen and Press Councils.

Ethical guidelines are set up by press councils, but also by jourtnalists, press associations, and sometimes by the media itself.

The website also lists partners and professional networks working in the field of media accountability and self-regulation on regional, national and international levels.

It features principally four thematic sections:

• Media Legislation and regulations provides examples of general media laws and regulatory frameworks at both national and international level.
• Regulatory Bodies features existing press councils and includes examples of media ombudsmen that have arbitrated and adjudicated on complaints against the press.
• Codes of Ethics provides links to the codes of ethics and professional standards based upon self-regulation.
• The Resources section of the website includes materials related to media accountability and self-regulation such as publications, websites and useful contacts where one can find more relevant information on the subject.