pressinõukogu

Pressinõukogu, known in English as the Estonian Press Council, is a voluntary, self-regulatory body for the Estonian press. It was established to promote ethical journalism, improve accountability in the media, and provide a mechanism for addressing public complaints about journalistic content. The council operates independently of government institutions and is funded by participating media outlets and professional associations.

The council's mandate focuses on issues such as accuracy, fairness, privacy, and protection of sources, as well as sensationalism and discrimination. It handles complaints about content published in newspapers, magazines, and increasingly in online news portals associated with the Estonian press. Decisions are made by a panel of members who represent editorial and journalistic perspectives as well as public interests.

Process and rulings: A member of the public or a media consumer can file a complaint with the press council. The complaint is examined, and the complained-about media outlet is given an opportunity to respond. After review, the council issues a ruling, which may require a correction, a clarification, or an apology, or may uphold the publication. Rulings are published and publicly accessible. While the decisions are not legally binding, media organizations typically comply with the outcomes to maintain credibility and trust.

Relation to law: The press council constitutes a non-governmental, voluntary form of media accountability. It complements legal remedies by offering a speedy, principle-based avenue for addressing concerns about journalistic ethics and accuracy.

See also: media self-regulation, ethics in journalism, Estonian media landscape.