Netherlands – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
The media themselves decide on the extent to which they play their role as watchdog, on the basis of their distinctive characteristics.
Indicators: Control / Watchdog
Netherlands – (C6) Practice of access to information
One of the most important sources of news is government, with Dutch legislation on the public nature of government records giving citizens (and hence journalists) the right to access government data. The way in which the law functions as well as the lengthy procedures involved are strongly criticised.
Netherlands – (C5) Journalist’s job security
In general, the Association of Journalists controls the basic working conditions of professional journalists in the Netherlands.
Netherlands – (C4) Journalism professionalism
The Dutch newsrooms have become highly professionalised over the past decades. Close examination of the work done, and being done, is a regular feature of editorial meetings. However, this mostly occurs on an ad hoc basis. Only a few news media organisations have an ombudsperson.
Netherlands – (C3) Transparency of data on leading news media
On its mediamonitor.nl website, the media authority describes the current media ownership relations.
Netherlands – (C2) Independence of the news media from powerholders
The Dutch news media enjoy relative independence from the powers that be. Media ownership concentration increased in the last decade, with more media titles held by a single owner.
Netherlands – (C1) Supervising the watchdog ‘control of controllers’
There is no independent institution in the country that systematically monitors media performance, although the website denieuwereporter.nl and Media Ombudsman Foundation (MON) are inviting citizens and media professionals to think about the media’s role as a watchdog.
Chile – (C9) Watchdog function and financial resources
There are some media houses that produce investigative journalism, but they have decreased for economic reasons.
Chile – (C8) Professional training
There is a large offer for journalists, but their work conditions do not allow them to specialise as much as they would want to.
Chile – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
There is a certain notion about the watchdog role of journalism, but this tends to be relegated to specialised units or specific practices within daily coverage, where other roles are more dominant.
