Code of Practice — Plain Language Guide
The 11 principles that all member publications commit to, explained in everyday language.
The 11 Principles
1
Truth and Accuracy
2
Distinguishing Fact and Comment
3
Fair Procedures and Honesty
4
Respect for Rights
5
Privacy
6
Protection of Sources
7
Court Reporting
8
Prejudice
9
Children
10
Reporting of Suicide
11
Publication of Decisions
1
Principle 1: Truth and Accuracy
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications must make sure what they print is true and accurate. If they get something wrong, they should correct it promptly.
Official Wording
"In reporting news and information, newspapers and periodicals shall strive at all times for truth and accuracy."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Publishing incorrect facts about a person
- Failing to correct a known error
- Using misleading headlines that don't match the article content
Related decisions:
2
Principle 2: Distinguishing Fact and Comment
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Readers should be able to tell the difference between facts and opinions. Comment, conjecture, and rumour should not be presented as fact.
Official Wording
"Comment, conjecture, rumour and unconfirmed reports shall not be represented as fact."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Presenting an opinion column as a news report
- Stating unverified claims as established facts
- Mixing editorial comment into news coverage without clear labelling
Related decisions:
3
Principle 3: Fair Procedures and Honesty
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Journalists should be fair in how they gather and publish information. They should identify themselves as journalists when seeking information.
Official Wording
"Newspapers and periodicals shall strive at all times for fair procedures and honesty in the procuring and publishing of news and information."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Using deceptive methods to obtain information without justification
- Not giving someone a reasonable chance to respond before publication
- Publishing information obtained through misrepresentation
Related decisions:
4
Principle 4: Respect for Rights
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications should not publish material based on malicious misrepresentation or dishonest means, except where the public interest requires it.
Official Wording
"Newspapers and periodicals shall not knowingly publish matter based on malicious misrepresentation or dishonest means of obtaining information."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Publishing personal information obtained through dishonest means
- Using stolen documents without public interest justification
Related decisions:
5
Principle 5: Privacy
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Everyone has a right to privacy. Publications should not intrude into people's private lives unless there is a clear public interest.
Official Wording
"Privacy is a human right, to be protected by every person's right to have his or her private and family life, home and correspondence respected."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Publishing private medical information
- Photographing someone in a private setting without consent
- Revealing personal details about a private individual's family life
Related decisions:
6
Principle 6: Protection of Sources
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Journalists have a duty to protect the identity of confidential sources of information.
Official Wording
"Journalists shall protect confidential sources of information."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Revealing a whistleblower's identity
- Providing information that could identify a confidential source
Related decisions:
7
Principle 7: Court Reporting
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications must report court proceedings fairly and accurately. They should not publish material that could prejudice a trial.
Official Wording
"Newspapers and periodicals shall strive to ensure that court reports are fair and accurate and that comment on cases or proceedings does not go beyond what is justified."
Examples of potential breaches:
- One-sided court reporting
- Publishing information that could prejudice ongoing proceedings
Related decisions:
8
Principle 8: Prejudice
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications should not incite hatred against any person or group on grounds of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Official Wording
"Newspapers and periodicals shall not publish material intended or likely to cause grave offence or to stir up hatred against an individual or group on the basis of their race, religion, nationality, colour, ethnic origin, membership of the travelling community, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, illness or age."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Publishing content that stereotypes an ethnic group
- Using language designed to incite hostility against a minority group
Related decisions:
9
Principle 9: Children
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications must take special care when dealing with children. The welfare of the child should always come first.
Official Wording
"Newspapers and periodicals shall take particular care in seeking and presenting information or comment about a child under the age of 16."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Identifying a child involved in legal proceedings
- Publishing details that could lead to identification of a vulnerable child
Related decisions:
10
Principle 10: Reporting of Suicide
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
Publications should exercise particular care and sensitivity when reporting on suicide, to avoid contributing to further harm.
Official Wording
"In the reporting of suicide, excessive detail of the means of suicide should be avoided."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Publishing detailed methods of suicide
- Sensationalising or romanticising a death by suicide
Related decisions:
11
Principle 11: Publication of Decisions
Code of Practice of the Press Council of Ireland
In Plain Language
If the Press Ombudsman upholds a complaint, the publication must print the decision with due prominence.
Official Wording
"Where the Press Ombudsman and/or the Press Council upholds a complaint against a newspaper or periodical, the newspaper or periodical shall publish the decision with due prominence."
Examples of potential breaches:
- Burying an upheld decision in a small corner of a later edition
- Failing to publish a decision within a reasonable time