National press council launches; amalgamates regional bodies

TORONTO – A national press council has launched in Canada, amalgamating several regional media councils from across the country.

The National Newsmedia Council will “review and potentially adjudicate” complaints from the public about alleged violations of ethical and journalistic standards regarding a member outlet’s publication.

President and CEO John Fraser says he wants to assure all members of the council that belonging to a national body will strengthen their commitment to a fair accounting of media practices.

He says the news media industry is in “tremendous transition” and the council can play an important role assuring that the transition includes the “very best standards of journalism.”

The Ontario Press Council, the Atlantic Press Council and the British Columbia Press Council are among the bodies that have amalgamated in the new national entity.