Glossary of Terms

The principle that there need to be organisations or structures which ensure that, when news publishers get things wrong or cause harm, those publishers can be held responsible.

The requirement that published information is factually correct. This includes headlines, images and captions.

In the context of regulatory standards for the press, the requirement to maintain accuracy does not generally apply to omissions, or coverage which is “biased” or “unfair”.

However, it does apply to anything presented in an article as a fact, including opinion articles.

The principle that reporting reflects all relevant viewpoints. Unlike broadcast media, there is no specific regulatory duty for newspaper publishers to show balance, but it is good practice.

A situation where journalists are wrongly put under pressure to report on an issue a certain way, or to avoid reporting on it altogether.

This can occur when a newspaper owner or proprietor puts pressure on their publisher’s editors or journalists, or when a powerful corporation threatens a publisher.

A set of rules intended to govern journalists’ conduct and newspaper coverage. They usually cover accuracy, privacy, harassment, discrimination and other areas.

Background information given to a journalist on the understanding it will not be published.

Comments given to a journalist, with the understanding that they may be published and attributed to the person who provided them.

Publication which benefits the wider public.  In some instances, it is a defence in statutes or regulatory codes to prove that publication of certain information - which might have breached someone’s rights - is in the “public interest”.  For example, coverage which intrudes on someone’s privacy in order to expose corruption. 

The person or material a journalist relies on for information.

The statute which sets out individuals’ rights in respect of the use of their data, and the responsibilities organisations have when using or storing that data.  News publishers are exempt from some, but not all, of those responsibilities.

 A statement published by the media that harms a person’s reputation. The Defamation Act provides the basis for a legal claim for libel in certain circumstances, although prospective defendants have access to several potential defences to any claim.

A rule in some press codes that restricts persistent contact, door-stepping, following, or intimidation by journalists.

A published statement by a media organisation intended to address a factual error.

If a complaint is upheld, sometimes a publisher will be expected to publish an adjudication.  This is a note summarising the complaints-handler’s finding.

An agreement to resolve a breach of the code through direct engagement between publisher and complainant, sometimes overseen by a complaints body.

Professional advice or services provided free of charge.

How visible a correction or apology is compared to the original story.

 The outcome sought when something has gone wrong, such as a correction or apology.