What is the
Washington News Council?
The Washington News Council is an independent, nonprofit, statewide organization
whose members share a common belief that fair, accurate and balanced
news media are vital to our democracy. We have been called an "Outside
Ombudsman" or even "Better Business Bureau" for the news media in
Washington state. We believe that a free press helps keep America
strong, but with First Amendment rights come great responsibilities. We
hold the news media publicly accountable for their performance, just as the media hold other institutions in our society
publicly accountable. We also encourage open public dialogue
among citizens and
journalists regarding news media standards and ethics.
Who is on the
Washington News Council?
Here is
a list of our
members.
Our members perform dual roles. They participate in
formal hearings and vote on the validity of citizen complaints against
the news media. They also serve as our board of directors, overseeing
the organization's operations and finances. Media and Public members
represent a wide range of backgrounds, professions and viewpoints.
How does the
Washington News Council operate?
If readers, viewers or listeners feel personally damaged
by stories that have been written or broadcast about them (or their
organization), they may file a formal complaint with the Council.
Complaints must address serious questions of journalistic fairness,
accuracy or balance. The Council process is an alternative to
litigation. Complainants must agree not to sue the media outlet for
libel or other damages. We first urge complainants to seek a resolution
with the media outlet -- a correction, clarification, letter to the
editor, op-ed piece, or a meeting with reporters, editors or managers.
If no resolution is possible, the Council may convene a formal complaint
hearing, where both sides are invited to make their case in an open
public setting. Council members vote on whether to uphold the complaint
and publicize their decision to media statewide, which are also urged to
cover the proceeding. Complaint hearings are videotaped and copies are
available
to the press and public.
Doesn't this
violate the First Amendment?
No. The
News Council is not a government agency. It has no legal authority to
regulate, control or penalize the media. It's an independent, objective,
nonpartisan organization formed by a group of concerned citizens. Half
of the Council members are current or former media professionals.
Participation in the council's review process is entirely voluntary. But
the media have a strong incentive to participate because being more
accountable to the public will make people more trustful of the media.
Public-opinion surveys have shown that a strong majority of citizens
believe a news council can help improve their local news media.
Significantly, support is highest among those who believe their local
media already do a good job of covering important
issues, presenting facts accurately, and reporting news in a fair
and
balanced way.
Do this
state's media support the News Council?
In
addition to our Council members from the media, we have many individual
members of the print, broadcast and online media supporting us around
the state. We have invited all members of the media to get involved and
help shape the council's activities.
Many media members have participated in WNC panels or discussions,
attended Gridiron West Dinners, and made financial
donations to the
Council.
Do any other
states or countries have news councils?
The
Minnesota News Council
has existed since 1970. Hawaii has a news council, and several other
states are considering the idea.
Dozens of other countries around the world have had press councils for
decades, including England, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Canada.
Most European and many African countries have press councils, and new
ones are springing up worldwide. For a complete list of the world's
press councils, click
here.
How does it
work in Minnesota?
Started
by the Minnesota Newspaper Association, their council is
widely respected and is supported by the media, corporations,
foundations and individuals. The council has 24 members, half with some
media background (including active reporters and editors) and half with
civic, business, political, academic or other experience. The council holds several open public hearings a year
to consider complaints. But since it began, only 8 percent of complaints
have gone to a formal hearing, and half of those cases have been decided
in favor of the media. It also holds seminars on media-related topics,
publishes a newsletter, maintains a Web site, and hosts a cable-TV
program. Their council is our model.
Who staffs
the Washington News Council?
Our executive director is John Hamer, a longtime
journalist and former member of The Seattle Times' editorial board.
Kathy Schrier is our part-time executive assistant (and president of the Washington Journalism Education Association). Council board members regularly volunteer their time. We
also hire student interns.
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