An analysis of the Editorial Statute of the different news media points to the main idea of independence.
Radio Renascença emphasises the Catholic affiliation of the station and, therefore, insists mostly on Human Rights and the defence of the dignity of all human beings. It also insists on the need for pluralistic, comprehensive, objective, and honest information, with respect for journalistic professional standards and journalism ethics.
RTP’s mission statement stresses the particular social responsibility of a public television station, together with the need for “accurate and independent” information. Independence from any kind of power is emphasised because the station must be committed only to “its duty to inform citizens”.
Público insists it is completely independent of any kind of political or economic powers, considering itself responsible to its readers, and nobody else. It underlines that “the existence of a well-informed and active public opinion is a fundamental condition for democracy and for the existence of an open, dynamic society”.
Expresso refers to the issue of independence from any powers including “its advertisers”. It insists that news media should not serve any particular interests; they should always be “autonomous institutions through which the citizens […] can look for all the information they need to make their choices”.
Correio da Manhã underlines “Total independence” from all “powers and interests”, whether economic, political, religious, or professionals. Furthermore, it states it will be “firm” in condemning any “abuse of power”.
SIC defines its main purpose as the diffusion of quality programming, “independent from political or economic power, and from any doctrine or ideology”. The information it produces “will be fair and accurate”, which means, “distinguishing between news and opinions”. “Responsibility” and “tolerance” are referred to as other guidelines for its information, with “exclusion of any incitement to the practice of crimes or the violation of fundamental rights”.
Observador, an online-only newspaper (now also running a radio station), defines itself by two main characterisitcs: “Independent” and “free”. The Editorial Statute says that the publication does not have any political programme, but “has a view over the country and the world”. It aims “to contribute to a well-informed and active public opinion”, “valuing controversy and open discussion”.
Only indirectly do the news media refer to their watchdog mission or to their commitment to investigate and control the different powers present in society.
