The four dimensions of responsible media:

• supporting democracy,
• ethically transparent journalism,
• producing utility for readers,
• defending and speaking on behalf of the community.

 

Supporting democracy

The media has the most central role in implementing and promoting freedom of speech. The media's task is to exercise this freedom with the needs of readers and citizens as the starting point, in a manner that is socially meaningful and ethical. The media bears its responsibility by acting as a watchdog holding those in power accountable and by highlighting social issues. Therefore, journalism must be reliable and independent, promote freedom of speech and act in an ethically transparent manner. The Guidelines for Journalists are the foundation of responsible journalism.
 

Ethically transparent journalism

Openness, transparency and a dialogue-based relationship between reader and journalist have also become core elements of journalistic responsibility. Openness allows the reader to better understand the source of information and the ethical choices made by the editors, thereby critically assessing various media content.
 

Producing utility for readers

Media's task is to produce meaningful and useful information for readers to help improve their daily lives. In recognition of this, service journalism has become a key aspect of the journalistic approach at several newspapers published by Alma Media. Service journalism often involves comparisons and question-answer articles. Service journalism also enables the media to participate in building a sustainable society, as it often highlights aspects such as the ecological characteristics of products.
 

Defending and speaking on behalf of the community

Responsible media also acts as a representative and advocate of its community, such as a region, city or a group of people with similar interests, in broader social dialogue. This also includes supporting the vitality of the region of publication.
Alma Media develops and monitors responsible and sustainable journalism built around these four dimensions both at the newspaper level and through cooperative projects. Responsible journalism is ultimately publication-specific and thus the responsibility of the Editor-in-Chief of each newspaper, but joint editorial teams and the sharing of best practices mean that Alma Media's newspapers and other media are increasingly cooperating on Sustainable Media projects.