Most interviewees admitted they did not remember the mission statements of their media companies and rarely read their companies’ handbooks on ethical principles. They said they relied more on the informal, internal culture of self-critiques and newsroom standards. Some stressed that they abided by the journalistic principles of fairness, balance, and objectivity; some of those working in the pro-establishment media said their superiors used this principle to ensure the pro-establishment camp’s voice is represented. Despite these self-censorship practices, all interviewees emphasised the importance of accuracy. In political stories, they said they strove to present a balance of views, but that this was sometimes impossible. No formal system for hearing complaints about alleged violations of ethical standards in their newsroom was reported, yet some interviewees indicated that journalists who violate ethical standards are liable to be – and have been – sanctioned.
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