Associations and Unions

The Estonian Newspaper Association  is a central actor within the self-regulation framework and along with its Press Council, works to maintain good journalistic practice in line with the Code of Ethics of the Estonian Press  and combats violations of freedom of the press. It operates on the common interests of all newspapers and works to defend the rights of democratic journalism. Its members are newspapers, editors and journalists. The press council created by the Newspaper Association can be considered a self-regulatory body (see Regulatory Bodies section for more information). 

The Estonian Journalists Union works in line with the Code of Ethics for the Estonian Press and is a member of the media criticism body ASN. However, there have been claims that it is too weak and does not sufficiently protect the autonomy of journalists  (in the issue of employer’s interests and quality of journalism).  The Association of Broadcasters meanwhile represents the interest of commercial broadcasters.