The trust in the traditional media is falling. Each news outlet has its code of ethics or guidelines for journalists on their news gathering/reporting activities. However, a scandal involving a top prosecutor and press reporters betting on mahjong came to light, revealing the fact that those rules were not observed strictly. After the scandal was unveiled, The Asahi Shimbun revised its code of conduct for reporters.
Confidentially of sources is one of the most important principles for securing trust of sources. In Japan, however, it is not fully guaranteed by law, and its significance is stipulated only in the code of ethics of each organization. At the same time, there are cases of deviations from rules in codes of ethics on the relationships with sources and the conflict of interests with them; this fact shows a self-contradiction in news organizations.
This article overviews provisions in codes of ethics and guidelines set by Japanese and overseas media organizations regarding the relationships with sources as well as the conflict of interests with them in the hope of serving as a catalyst for further discussion on how to restore trust in the media.