Improved public access to such information means improved climate for a free conduct of the journalistic activity, respect for fundamental freedoms and rights of media and protection of the safety of media workers. Independence of journalistic activities, except for covering the autonomy of journalists and freedom from political and business influences, implies the existence and support of the mechanisms of self-regulation and a satisfactory degree of professional autonomy. In the Declaration of Windhoek, whose adoption marks 25 years this year, states that independence is recognized in the practice of ethics in journalism and in the power of professional journalism and media organizations in the society. The three key elements of the Declaration of Windhoek continue to be important aspects of the media work, covering freedom, pluralism and independence of all media platforms.
At this year’s Conference of UNESCO in Helsinki on the occasion of the World Day of Press Freedom, the Council on Media Ethics presented its existing operations and the challenges it faces, while involving in the discussions to further strengthen and support self-regulation in the media.