Code of Ethics

A Code of Ethics for the Austrian Press was firstly adopted in 1983 by the Austrian Press Council, which was closed in 2001 and re-established in 2011. The Code of Ethics enshrines journalists’ freedom to report and comment, as well as to gather and disseminate information and opinions, along with the role of the Press Council in supporting this right. Core values of the code are freedom, accuracy, and independence from any external influence. The code also emphasizes the relevance of ensuring respect for privacy and the protection of personal rights, and clearly differentiates between media content and advertising. Moreover, it outlines the concept of public interest. It does not however include any reference to the protection of unnamed sources.