The Press Council received more complaints in 2017 than ever before
Last year, the Swiss Press Council received 127 complaints. That is more than at any time since it was founded in 1977.
On average, around 80 complaints are received each year. In addition, the Press Council adopted 53 statements last year and settled around 90 cases, as it announced on Wednesday. The Press Council has "high praise" for the media that were reprimanded. They had published the decision of the Press Council without exception. This was nothing but fair and stated in the "Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists". Because not all of the media reprimanded had complied with this duty in the past, the Press Council had announced that it would publish their names.
The Press Council also announces that it has amended its rules of procedure as of January 2018. While going to the Press Council will remain free of charge for private individuals, complainants who are represented by a lawyer as well as organizations, companies and institutions will be asked to pay. The fee will be 1000 francs. (SDA)
