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Our research characterizes the role of editorial guidelines, codes of ethics and media accountability infrastructures in the management of quality journalism and veriied its application in Brazil and United Kingdom, from a comparative perspective. he analysis of existence, content and conditions of access to policies of editorial quality management of 42 media corporations was performed by the means of the Q-Avalia System (UFS/CNPq). Results include a ranking of the assessed corporations and are commented according to three keys of interpretation: quality as an outcome of normative policies; quality as an outcome of market competition; and quality as a simulacrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most work addressing clinical workers' professional responsibilities concerns the norms of conduct within established professional–patient relationships, but such responsibilities may extend beyond the clinical context. We explore health workers' professional responsibilities in such “informal” encounters through the example of a doctor witnessing the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of a serious long-term condition in a television documentary, arguing that neither internalist approaches to professional responsibility (such as virtue ethics or care ethics) nor externalist ones (such as the “social contract” model) provide sufficiently clear guidance in such situations. We propose that a mix of both approaches, emphasizing the noncomplacency and practical wisdom of virtue ethics, but grounding the normative authority of virtue in an external source, is able to engage with the health worker's responsibilities in such situations to the individual, the health care system, and the population at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By exploring 2 sets of ethical values, we suggest a theoretical framework for understanding media accountability products. The first set is exclusive to the field of journalism and consists of distinctive values (accuracy, balance, etc.). The second set is nonexclusive, crossing professional fields, and consists of principles for communicating organizational imperfection (responsibility, transparency, and relationality). On the basis of this theoretical construction we formulate an empirical model for assessing products of accountability. The model was applied to 1,458 corrections published in a representative newspaper from Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom ranging in their levels of adherence to a formal accountability policy. We conclude by asking how the expectations from news organizations to adhere to principles of accountability may be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the implications of the 2011 phone hacking scandal for press freedom in the United Kingdom. Specifically, it argues that the language of rights has too long dominated public discourse, which has led to discussion of media responsibilities being evaded. The article argues that there is now an opportunity for a radical restructuring of the relationship between the press, the public, and the political system that restores the media to their rightful role as a watchdog on government and steward of the people. It points to the need for independent regulation of the press and a statutory right of reply as means through which the relationship between media and citizen can be recast on the grounds of obligation and responsibility but argues that it is only when we move away from a framework grounded in rights to one grounded in responsibilities that meaningful change can flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hutchins Commission's notion of media responsibility is being re-invigorated by the Corporate Social Responsibility/sustainability movement among U.S. and European corporations, though media companies tend to lag behind in adopting these programs. One exception is Britain's Guardian News & Media, which has adopted a social auditing system to examine how its operations meet its core ethical values. This study applies a concept of collective responsibility in evaluating the social audit for its ethical value. Considering truth-telling, media diversity, social betterment, and stewardship as fundamental dimensions of responsibility, the study finds the social audit a credible approach to overcoming the persistent criticism of responsibility; that is, that the concept is too vague and poorly elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This independent report for the Media Standards Trust makes the case for urgent reform of the self-regulation of British press content. It focuses on increasing inaccuracy and invasion of privacy by the press, which also suffers declining public trust. These features are linked to major changes in press technology and economics. Unlike comparable trades and professions, the Press Complaints Commission has not updated its structure and procedures to reflect modern standards of transparency, fairness and accountability. The democratic role of the press is weakened. Governments may be tempted to intervene. A later report will propose reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the deterioration of ethics in the mass media in Great Britain. He outlines the factors that contributed to the increasing complexity of the media, making it harder to explain and effectively more secretive. The author recognizes the effort of several politicians in creating a more open system in the sector, however, their progress do not connect with policies that could supposedly inspire a fresh start in the industry.

Cases of adolescents in organ failure who refuse solid organ transplant are not common, but several have been discussed in the media in the United States and the United Kingdom. Using the framework developed by Buchanan and Brock for surrogate decision-making, I examine what role the adolescent should morally play when deciding about therapy for life-threatening conditions. I argue that the greater the efficacy of treatment, the less voice the adolescent (and the parent) should have. I then consider how refusals of highly effective transplant cases are similar to and different from refusals of other lifesaving therapies (eg, chemotherapy for leukemia), which is more commonly discussed in the media and medical literature. I examine whether organ scarcity and the need for lifelong immunosuppression justify differences in whether the state intervenes when an adolescent and his or her parents refuse a transplant. I argue that the state, as parens patriae, has an obligation to provide the social supports needed for a successful transplant and follow-up treatment plan, although family refusals may be permissible when the transplant is experimental or of low efficacy because of comorbidities or other factors. I conclude by discussing the need to limit media coverage of pediatric treatment refusals., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The author has indicated she has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Comments on the ethical aspects of terminal care and a patient's right to die. Comments on the publicity surrounding the deaths of Pope John Paul II and Terry Schiavo; Critique of the media attention given to the health conditions and death of the Pope; Details of the Schiavo case, in which the patient's family pursued legal battles over the removal of life support systems; Impact of the Schiavo case on political culture in the U.S.; Comments on legislation related to euthanasia and assisted suicide in Great Britain; Moral and ethical aspects of a patient's right to die.