Italy – (C3) Transparency of data on leading news media
Data on leading news media are generally available but, in some cases, these are incomplete and not easily accessible to citizens.
Indicators: Control / Watchdog
Italy – (C2) Independence of the news media from powerholders
Independence of news media is a critical aspect in the Italian context, where journalism evolved from longstanding relations with political and economic powers.
Italy – (C1) Supervising the watchdog ‘control of controllers’
Professional as well as scientific debates on watchdog journalism and its practices are quite rare in the Italian media landscape, yet some meaningful initiatives fuel discussions and expose problematic situations.
United Kingdom – (C9) Watchdog function and financial resources
While broadcast newsrooms continue to have significant resources to devote to investigative journalism, economic pressures are limiting the capacity of some – but not all – commercial news organizations to engage in costly investigative or international journalism.
United Kingdom – (C8) Professional training
Professional training is generally available to UK journalists, and the majority who do undertake training are funded by their employers when doing so. Larger news organizations such as the BBC operate their own internal training schemes.
United Kingdom – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
UK broadcasters are obliged to perform certain functions fulfilling the watchdog role of journalism and devote significant resources to investigative journalism. Many newspapers specify their watchdog functions in mission statements or adhere to standards codes that emphasise the importance of the public interest in their work.
United Kingdom – (C6) Practice of access to information
Detailed access to information legislation is in place in the UK and open to all citizens. There are some restrictions on availability and evidence shows that certain government departments in practice tend to withhold requested information, initially at least.
United Kingdom – (C5) Journalist’s job security
Journalists are more likely than not to be in stable employment, but economic pressures, particularly at the local level, have led to recent cuts and made many jobs precarious. Journalists generally enjoy contractual protections and whistleblowing channels if pressured to breach professional ethics codes.
United Kingdom – (C4) Journalism professionalism
Journalism qualifications are now widely held, and training, including ethics training, is freely available and used by a majority of journalists. Some journalists report increasing newsroom pressures as exerting a detrimental effect on their quality of work.
United Kingdom – (C3) Transparency of data on leading news media
Information on media companies, including accounts, ownership and Board composition, is compiled by the government and available to view online. Publicly-traded companies and some broadcasters publish detailed revenue information annually, and Ofcom provides several annual market reports.
