Media - Global Reporting Initiative · printing to new digital techniques, or other changes. 209*...

Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know?

MEDIA

May 2013 Page 1 of 28

This table shows a list of topics identified as relevant by different stakeholder groups. They can be considered as stakeholders’ suggestions or requests for topics to be monitored or disclosed by organizations.

Additional information about the project can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx

43 – Media

50 Topics

Owners and operators of television or radio broadcasting systems, including programming. Includes radio and television broadcasting, radio

networks, and radio stations. Providers of cable or satellite television services. Includes cable networks and program distribution. Companies that

engage in producing and selling entertainment products and services, including companies engaged in the production, distribution and screening

of movies and television shows, producers and distributors of music, entertainment theaters and sports teams. Publishers of newspapers,

magazines and books, and providers of information in print or electronic formats. Manufacturers of home entertainment software and

educational software used primarily in the home. Companies providing advertising, marketing or public relations services.

Sustainability Category

Topic Topic Specification (if available)

Explanation Reference(s)1 Constituency

Environmental Materials sourcing

Wood-based products in print media

Report policies related to the sustainable sourcing of newsprint/magazine/book-grade paper, concentrating on recycled/certified fiber, and the carbon and water impacts of the paper used. Report policies and impacts of inks and printing techniques as well as disc materials (DVDs, CDs) and packaging. Report policies related to recycling of materials by Report policies and impacts of inks and printing techniques as well as disc materials (DVDs, CDs) and packaging. Report policies related to recycling of

209* Civil Society Organization

https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx



MEDIA





materials by the company and initiatives to promote recycling by end users the company and initiatives to promote recycling by end users

Sourcing of wood based products (paper, furniture, etc) from responsibly managed forests. The following sections of the GRI reporting guidelines may be used by a reporter to mention FSC related activities, those are: - Profile - Commitments to External Initiatives: 4.12 externally developed economic, environmental, and social charters, principles, or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or endorses. - Environmental Impact: EN 26: Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services, and extent of impact mitigation. - Product: PR3: Type of product and service information required by procedures and percentage of significant products and services subject to such information requirements. The above indicators are mostly not quantitative and a reporter may find difficult to integrate FSC related information. Ideally there would be a quantitative indicator related to certification scheme or initiative regarding the supply and the final product within the GRI guideline. In order to ease the reporting of FSC related activities, we propose to include two indicators related to supply and final product content. The wording could follow the

185, 569 Civil Society Organization


MEDIA





Food Processing Supplement and worded as follows: “Percentage of purchased material by volume and weight which is verified as being in accordance with credible, internationally recognized responsible production standards, broken down by standard”. This topic reflects significant impacts, risks and opportunities for an organization itself and its stakeholders as well as requires active management or engagement by the organization. By buying FSC certified products, companies provide incentives for responsible forestry and can enjoy their purchases knowing it has not contributed to the destruction of the world’s forest or even come from companies involved in human rights abuses. Almost everything made from wood and other forest products are available with the FSC label. Finding FSC products becomes easier everyday. Literally every day, more FSC products become available. This topic is relevant for all 52 business/industry activity groups. These simple steps can be followed by companies to find and buy FSC products: 1. Check the FSC marketplace at marketplace.fsc.org (in January 2013, the marketplace is still a beta version) Please note this database will currently only search for manufacturers and distributors, not retailers. There are only a few exceptions where retailers are also certified.


MEDIA





To find products carried by your local retailer, please contact them directly. We are working on including other search options to this database in the future. 2. Ask your retailer Chances are, they will carry FSC certified products. If not, let them know you would be interested in certified products. Not all certification systems are equal and only FSC guarantees that the product has been made from environmentally and responsibly managed forests. By asking for FSC certified products, you show that there is a demand. This is an important and simple way how you can help FSC to make a difference.

Paper recycling Print media Environmental issues generally rank below social issues for most media companies. Due to industry-wide efforts in Europe, recycling rates of paper have now reached above 64%, and the move towards electronic media is a further positive step in terms of reducing environmental impact.

479 Business

Unsold/returned products

Report approach to managing unsold/returned media materials (for example print material, CDs, DVDs).


Energy efficiency of operations

Print production and data centers

The issue of energy use and related emissions is a relevant one in the publishing sector. Most energy consumption is related to newspaper and magazine production and data centres.

479 Business

Wastewater Print media - Lubricating oils, waste inks, cleanup solvents and other chemicals

In the printing sector, wastewaters can contain lubricating oils, waste inks, cleanup solvents and other chemicals.

479 Business


MEDIA





Emissions to air - GHG emissions

Include effects on the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the transition from traditional printing to new digital techniques, or other changes.


Social Labor conditions Contractors, subcontractors, freelancers and interns

Percentage of freelancers in relation to total number of staff including both FTEs and freelancers

153 Financial Markets & Information Users

Terms of engagement including remuneration, and mechanisms for severance and cessation of employment for contractors, subcontractors, freelancers and interns. Where contracted work is taking place in hostile environments, indicate whether the contract provides details of remuneration including for example social welfare benefits and insurance arrangements.


Children and young people

Ensuring conditions for the development and protection of children and young people under the age of 18 involved in artistic performance (e.g., level of guardian supervision required when working for the organization, continuation of education according to local legal conditions, limits to number of hours worked, psychological support in dealing with child celebrity), referring to the ILO Minimum Age Convention 1973 (No. 138, Article 8).


Remuneration and working conditions for content generators across platforms

The rapid transformation of technology and methods of delivery has led to an increased number of ways that content can be disseminated to audiences. This has created new questions about how content generators are paid, about distinctions between the recognised workforce and public contributors, about changes in



MEDIA





working practice, and about the general organization of work that appears on more than one platform offered by the same media company. • Report policies to manage remuneration and working conditions for content generators across platforms.

Workforce turnover and restructuring

Shrinking markets, downward pressure on revenue as well as the need to make potentially significant investments in technology, are putting pressure on companies to restructure in this industry where staff costs are often 60% of sales. The restructuring context spurs labour disruptions that directly affect the customer’s access to the products (for example in the case of the recurring strikes in press distribution in France).

479 Business

Safety and protection of workforce

High risk environments

Policies on employment and provision of safe and secure working conditions, and where applicable on protection of employees and contractors, in areas and circumstances where there is an actual or potential risk to personal safety. This can include conflict and postconflict zones, areas of natural disaster, or other environments.


Training and education

Content values, content creation and content dissemination

Report specific training related to content values, content creation and content dissemination.


Use of new technologies

New technologies, coupled with innovative thinking, content and channel management are important factors in tapping new markets and creating new opportunities. Companies that consistently invest in retaining a talented, creative and motivated workforce while



MEDIA





producing and continuously replenishing unique, valuable publishing content have led the sector.

Skills training is becoming more important as technological changes may affect media employees’ area of expertise and job security.


Cultural rights management

Cultural Rights: Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: ´Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.´ Article 2 of the UNESCO Convention on protection and promotion of diversity of cultural expressions: ´Cultural diversity can be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, information and communication, as well as the ability of individuals to choose cultural expressions are guaranteed’. Article 4 of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity: ‘The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms (...) No one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit their scope’. Media provides society with tools to exercise these rights. Therefore, media organizations can play a key role in promoting and contributing to exercising cultural rights. Report the management approach regarding cultural rights (e.g., audience participation, local talent, content production capacities, giving a platform to new, diverse arts and original work, promotion and preservation of cultural heritage).



MEDIA





Freedom of expression

Media role in society’s right to freedom of expression, and media exercising it

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights:11 ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers’. This article recognizes freedom of opinion and expression as fundamental human rights. Media organizations provide society with tools to exercise these rights. Therefore, they can play a key role in promoting and contributing to freedom of expression. Freedom of expression brings with it the responsibility to operate within an ethical framework.12 When reporting on the management approach to freedom of expression, include the elements listed below in the two following situations: Media organizations exercising freedom of expression and media organizations supporting society’s rights to freedom of expression. For example: • Principles by which the organization operates in contexts of restrictions on freedom of expression, • Enabling society to actively exercise its right to freedom of expression (e.g., telecommunications/technology infrastructure, literacy programs, accessibility to content and services), • Initiatives to advance the free flow of information, • Pluralism of ideas and views, • Transparency regarding public policy and lobbying ), • Principles to avoid self-censorship, either in content or marketing communications , • Media literacy , • Right of rectification and of reply, • User-generated content and audience interaction



MEDIA





Media role in society's right to freedom of expression

Freedom of Expression. Media organizations provide society with tools to exercise these rights. When reporting on the management approach to freedom of expression, include the elements listed below in the two following situations: Media organizations exercising freedom of expression and media organizations supporting society’s rights to freedom of expression. For example: • Principles by which the organization operates in contexts of restrictions on freedom of expression, • Enabling society to actively exercise its right to freedom of expression (e.g., telecommunications/technology infrastructure, literacy programs, accessibility to content and services), • Initiatives to advance the free flow of information, • Pluralism of ideas and views, • Transparency regarding public policy and lobbying (Refer to Society, S05), • Principles to avoid self-censorship, either in content or marketing communications (Refer to Product Responsibility DMA), • Media literacy (Refer to Product Responsibility DMA and MSS7), • Right of rectification and of reply • User-generated content and audience interaction (Refer to Product Responsibility)


Advertising values and practices

Online advertising standards

The convergence of TV and internet has proven to be a challenge for regulators, particularly as advertisers focus on the web. Advertising has traditionally been tightly regulated; many countries have set rules which limit the amount of advertising available on broadcast services, on protection of vulnerable groups (for example the ‘watershed’ system for children) and legislation to ensure that the marketing messages advertisers produce do not distort reality or misguide the public regarding the

479 Business


MEDIA





properties of the clients’ products and services. However, given its status as a seemingly sprawling, borderless phenomenon, online advertising standards have become an issue. For example, the degree to which agencies are allowed to make use of personal data is emerging as an area of increasing scrutiny by the EU, which in early 2009 launched an investigation into online behavioural-targeted advertising and the use of tracking cookies. Given this controversial issue we will be looking for self-regulatory codes of conduct by players in order to stay ahead of external regulation.

Given the media companies’ power to shape public opinion, accountability, transparency and ethical advertising approaches are also important factors.


Content creation

Quality, plurality and diversity

It is important for media organizations to report the methodology for assessing and monitoring content creation as it relates to content values such as:• editorial independence; • content quality; and • plurality and diversity. This information allows stakeholders to evaluate the organization’s commitment to its content values and the xistence of monitoring and continuous improvement processes. Adherence to content values is fundamental to making media organizations accountable and responsible for the influence and impacts their content has on society. This information also allows stakeholders to evaluate the organization’s priorities and effectiveness with respect to editorial independence, content quality and plurality and diversity.



MEDIA





Content dissemination

Accessibility, protection of vulnerable audiences and product information

Media organizations have the opportunity to take action to improve content dissemination regarding accessibility as well as vulnerable audience protection and informed decision making by media consumers and audiences. This information allows stakeholders to gauge the organization’s priorities and effectiveness with respect to accessibility, informed decision making and protection concerning vulnerable audiences.


Labeling of media content

Report mechanisms to guarantee accuracy in labelling (e.g., labelling for appropriate age groups such as video games, music and programs).


Copyrights Copyrights on social networks and user-generated sites

Social media and user-generated media pose new challenges regarding copyright, in particular protecting the commercial and moral rights of the creators of copyrighted material. Social networking and user-generated content sites create a plethora of risks, as software developers and media companies may end up distributing unlicensed copyrighted content, which the consequent risks of litigation for breaches of intellectual property (IP) law. A company`s ability to severe its own IP, as well as ensure that any products/services on offer do not breach IP laws, will be an increasingly core part of safeguarding its business. Piracy may result in content being distributed without permission, potentially resulting in loss of revenues for the producers and owners of this content. Sector Report

170 Mediating Institution


MEDIA





Customer privacy and data protection

Online advertising

For example, the degree to which agencies are allowed to make use of personal data is emerging as an area of increasing scrutiny by the EU, which in early 2009 launched an investigation into online behavioural-targeted advertising and the use of tracking cookies. Given this controversial issue we will be looking for self-regulatory codes of conduct by players in order to stay ahead of external regulation.

479 Business

Private information

Security refers to the ability to protect customers, data and systems from outside interference and unauthorized personnel. Privacy refers to the ability to protect or safeguard personal information and confidentiality. The media sector faces a series of complex and interrelated issues around security and privacy including: How to ensure that individuals` personal data and information is properly protected? Who owns private information? For example some online media platforms have been acquired by online service providers (e.g. Youtube by Google), raising concerns that the personal information on these platforms may be used for purposes other than those originally intended. How to respond to government requests to hand over private customer data? That is, how are tensions between individual civil liberties and national issues such as security to be reconciled? The manner in which the media sector manages personal data and information is likely to receive greater attention with privacy campaigners highlighting the unauthorised or inappropriate use of this information). It is likely that



MEDIA





media companies will face increasing pressure from both regulators and customers to ensure that they properly manage private information. Perhaps more significantly they may face limits or constraints on how they can use this information e.g. for selling other products. A proactive response to managing security and privacy issues is vital in order to safeguard the sector`s license to operate, avoid obstructive regulation and maintain customer trust. For example, media sector companies could educate customers on how they themselves can increase the security of their personal information when using media platforms and when accessing or creating media content. Sector Report

Marketing communications

Adherence to laws, standards, and voluntary codes

Advertising is a significant component of many media organizations’ content, as it contributes to business performance.


Media content Balance, objectivity, diversity and completeness

Media companies should seek to offer balanced content that ensures a fair and accurate representation of views. Media companies can play a valuable role in broadening the content that is available through, for example, catering to the interests of minority groups and offering content that is not available elsewhere. The provision of diverse content may result in an increase in customers by providing information and material that is not available elsewhere. Offering diverse content may also enable media companies to have



MEDIA





better relationships with regulators and other important stakeholders by enabling them to demonstrate that they are socially responsible, that they delover on their public service obligations, and that they can be relied on to self-regulate. Increasing content diversity may result in increases costs and may have the effect of weakening the company`s brand or even alienating some of its existing customers (who may not be interested in accessing new or unfamiliar content). Sector Report

A main responsibility is the integrity of content in communication with the general public, which ranges from claims about products and services (advertising) to ensuring that information is balanced, transparent and fair (broadcasters and to a lesser extent publishers). If this area is not well managed, media businesses face significant reputational and legal risks. Children and teenagers are the most sensitive audiences that the industry is required to deal with in terms of unsuitable programming, content and undue targeting (advertising in children’s’ programmes attracts ongoing criticism). Broadcasters and advertisers are particularly exposed to public scrutiny, and need to reflect a wide representation of society in terms of objectivity and diversity.

479 Business

Vilification and incitement of hatred

Report management approach to avoid vilification and incitement of hatred, for example: • Protection of individuals or community groups from being discriminated against or vilified through content that may inappropriately or negatively label them, • Avoiding



MEDIA





prejudice towards individuals or groups through content, • Ensuring content contains no unnecessary references to people’s physical characteristics, cultural practices or religious beliefs.

Media literacy Audience education

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and develop media in a variety of forms. Media literacy builds both an understanding of the role of media in society and essential skills, such as critical thinking, inquiry, self-expression and social and communication abilities, which are vital for fostering informed and active citizens. Media organizations have the opportunity to take action to initiate and improve performance related to empowering audiences by developing their media literacy skills. For example, media literacy skills can enable audiences and society to: • understand and engage with content; • improve their digital literacy; • produce content (including helping local communities to gain technical production skills); • improve their self-expression; and • critically consume and analyze content. This information allows stakeholders to gauge the organization’s priorities and effectiveness on media literacy.


Rising literacy levels in the developing world offer the media industry a huge market and strong growth potential over the coming years.


Protection of privacy

Subjects of media communications

Publishers and other news media are in a position to affect the privacy of the subjects of the articles they print, even where the right to privacy is not clearly enshrined in domestic law.



MEDIA





The production of news content raises serious ethical issues many of which have come to the fore in the recent controversies around phone hacking in the UK. These include: The protection of the identity of anonymous sources. This is a basic principle for journalists and is underpinned by legislation in several countries. The removal of this protection would undermine the willingness of many whistleblowers to report wrongdoing. Tensions between the right of anonymity and potential wrong-doing (e.g. when information is confidential or unlawfully obtained). The rights of individuals to a private life, a principle that was clearly ignored in the phone-hacking scandal and, more generally, in the media harassment of many celebrities. The issues around press ethics also intersect with other issues raised here, in particular the issues of trust, freedom of expression and security and privacy. Failures of press/journalistic ethics affect all news/content providers. As seen in the UK, this can result in calls for greater regulation of content providers and may also undermine the public`s trust in the press. This in turn may result in cost increases or loss of customers (and, in turn, revenue). Sector Report


Protection of Privacy: Article 12 of the Universal declaration of Human Rights: ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and



MEDIA





reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks’. Report the management approach, including and in addition to legal requirements, to the protection of: privacy of people (especially children) that may appear or be referred to in content.

Trustworthiness of media content

News and information providers can enhance their trustworthiness by: taking measures to ensure the quality of the information that they provide; clearly delineating between facts and opinions, and between editorial and advertorial content; being transparent about the sources and reliability of the information they provide; providing mechanisms for correcting factual or other errors; The blurring of the boundaries between news, PR and entertainment may result in news and information providers producing material that does not meet the criteria of independence, impartiality, integrity, reliability and credibility. If an information or news provider is not perceived as trustworthy, it may lose customers to other providers or it may find itself subject to regulatory scrutiny. Reduction in the number of viewers/readers/listeners/followers may, in turn, affect the company`s ability to attract advertisers. Sector Report


Vulnerable audience

Children's online protection

Child online protection Policies and management processes.

334, 520 Mediating Institution


MEDIA





Breach of the code leads to violation of the following human rights: Universal declaration of human rights : articles 1, 2, 3 and 9 Convention on the rights of the child: articles 2, 3, 13, 16, 32, 34, 36

Portrayal of children's experiences and opinions

Media must not just report fairly, honestly and accurately on the experience of childhood, but they must also provide space for the diverse, colourful and creative opinions of children themselves. Whether it is news and current affairs, or the complex world of creative and performing arts, all media professionals, and the organisations for which they work, have a responsibility to recognise children’s rights and reflect them in their work. Reporting on children and young people has its special challenges. In some instances the act of reporting on children places them or other children at risk of retribution or stigmatization.


Audience interaction and engagement

Monitoring and evaluating feedback and complaints

Through effective monitoring and evaluation of responses (feedback/complaints), media organizations can improve their accountability to stakeholders in relation to content dissemination issues (protection of vulnerable audiences and informed decision making by media consumers and audiences, and accessibility). Knowing and understanding responses (feedback/ complaints) and the opinions of stakeholders and consumers gives media companies an opportunity to improve the way in which they disseminate content and the impact they have on society.



MEDIA





Maintaining an open dialogue with their readers and their customers The blurring of the boundaries between news, PR and entertainment may result in news and information providers producing material that does not meet the criteria of independence, impartiality, integrity, reliability and credibility. If an information or news provider is not perceived as trustworthy, it may lose customers to other providers or it may find itself subject to regulatory scrutiny. Reduction in the number of viewers/readers/listeners/followers may, in turn, affect the company`s ability to attract advertisers. Sector Report


Engaging and participating with audiences gives media companies an opportunity to improve their content and the impact they have on society. Engagement and participation encourages freedom of expression and pluralism. Audience interaction can help improve and create new content, promote discussion, and provide feedback on content.


Corporate governance

Anti-competitive practices

Governance remains a concern for the sector, as a number of companies have been involved in controversies about anti-competitive behaviour.

479 Business

Anti-corruption practices in media content creation and dissemination

News media organizations play an important role, holding others to account when corruption occurs. Therefore they are expected to lead by example and follow high standards of anti-corruption practices when creating and disseminating media content. When



MEDIA





reporting on the management approach toward corruption, report related codes of conduct.

Political funding Contributions to political parties, politicians, and related institutions

The purpose of this Indicator is to reflect the scale of the reporters’ engagement in political funding and to ensure transparency in political dealings and relationships with the reporting organization. Many countries have legislation that sets limits on official expenditure by parties and political candidates for campaigning purposes. This is an important Indicator to evaluate editorial independence.


Public policy positions and lobbying

Specific media industry issues

Include public policy positions, participation in public policy development and lobbying related to specific media industry issues (e.g., ‘media laws’, infrastructure/spectrum, media ownership copyright). If the lobbying is done by an industry association on behalf of the company, report the main lobbying positions


Societal influence of media content

Refer specifically to the impacts, risks and opportunities related to the creation and dissemination of content, the particular role of the media organization in society, and the influence of its content.


Other Business context Changes in media sector

Include risks and opportunities associated with the ongoing fundamental transformations in the media sector (e.g., sustainability of business model and revenue sources, social web, aggregators, blogs, user- generated content).


Business strategy

Local culture and regulation

Emerging markets offer an attractive alternative, driven by their fast-growing middle class and relative youth. To succeed in the BRIC economies, global media companies need to localise their content and be sensitive to local cultures, while adhering to local regulation. Global

479 Business


MEDIA





companies also need to thoroughly assess the market and distribution channels to price the content appropriately. The price point in a BRIC economy is just a fraction of what consumers would pay in a developed market due to competition, regulation and piracy. However, the huge and fast-growing volumes more than make up for the low prices. Players will have to understand the nuances of large countries such as Russia, India and China. For example, the media market in South India is distinctly different from the North. The growth in demand for local content is also expected to outpace the supply of local talent, which needs to be factored into the business plans and human resource strategy. In order to succeed in the emerging markets, it will be increasingly necessary for companies to understand and adapt to the economic and social fabric of the operating environment. A strong strategy and reputation as a responsible business can help these companies build trust with local stakeholders and thereby establish a local licence to operate.

Local culture and regulation

Social aspects such as non-discrimination of the workforce and cultural sensitivity toward clients and communities remain at the center of public attention and scrutiny.


Confidentiality of sources and content generators

Privacy in gathering content and undertaking business activities (for example, confidentiality of sources, protecting source’s privacy when taken to court, and violation of privacy during news gathering). Provision of mechanisms to protect the safety of sources of information and ensure their confidentiality.



MEDIA





The production of news content raises serious ethical issues many of which have come to the fore in the recent controversies around phone hacking in the UK. These include: The protection of the identity of anonymous sources. This is a basic principle for journalists and is underpinned by legislation in several countries. The removal of this protection would undermine the willingness of many whistleblowers to report wrongdoing. Tensions between the right of anonymity and potential wrong-doing (e.g. when information is confidential or unlawfully obtained). The rights of individuals to a private life, a principle that was clearly ignored in the phone-hacking scandal and, more generally, in the media harassment of many celebrities. The issues around press ethics also intersect with other issues raised here, in particular the issues of trust, freedom of expression and security and privacy. Failures of press/journalistic ethics affect all news/content providers. As seen in the UK, this can result in calls for greater regulation of content providers and may also undermine the public`s trust in the press. This in turn may result in cost increases or loss of customers (and, in turn, revenue). Sector Report


Corporate governance

Gender participation on governance bodies

GOVERNANCE / EUROPE: boardroom lady boom: is it possible without quotas? On 22 June, the CapitalCom agency published its 2011 survey into the boardroom gender mix of CAC 40



MEDIA





companies, with fairly encouraging results: the proportion of women on the board has doubled in recent years, from 10.5% in 2009 to 20.8% in 2011. In January, the French parliament adopted legislation imposing quotas for the proportion of women on the board of major companies. Under the measures, the development of female board membership is mandatory and gradual: 20% for listed groups, public companies of an administrative, industrial and commercial nature by January 2014, rising to 40% by January 2017. The law also stipulates that companies with no women present on their board must appoint at least one within six months of it being on the statute books (voted on 13 January 2011). In France, some 2,000 companies are affected (the 650 largest listed firms and companies with more than 500 employees and those generating sales in excess of €50bn). In terms of sanctions for noncompliance, appointments that run counter to the parity principles are to be declared null and void and attendance fees are to be temporarily suspended. At the European level and at the instigation of the Vice-president of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, the European parliament will decide in March 2012 on whether to adopt common legislation on this matter (a mandatory proportion of women in decision-making positions of 30% in 2015 and 40% in 2020). This will depend on the level of improvement seen based on the selfregulation of European companies, in accordance


MEDIA





with the equality initiative adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and the European parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 calling for the Commission and member states to promote a balance between women and men on company boards, particularly where member states are shareholders. Europe as a whole illustrates the degree of hesitation between a soft-law approach and conventional legislation (quotas in this instance), but it is clear from the experience at national level that the second method tends to get much better results.

Values for content creation and dissemination

The organization’s values guide the creation and/ or dissemination of content, in terms of quality, influence and impact that supports a sustainable society. Report the organization’s values with respect to content (e.g., codes of ethics, editorial policies, advertising policies, codes for content, and/or specific value statements related to content) which may include: Content creation, • editorial independence, • freedom of expression, • content quality • plurality and diversity. Content dissemination, • protection of vulnerable audiences, • accessibility to content. Specify if these values apply to all content including originally produced content, advertising and acquired content. Report values related to how the organization is supporting progress towards a sustainable society through the content it delivers.



MEDIA





Independency of content creation

Governance structure and decision-making on content

Decision making and control processes and structures can serve to safeguard trustworthiness, transparency, and content independence. News media organizations often serve as watchdogs for society by holding others to account. Media organizations are themselves expected to follow high governance and ethical standards. Report the governance structure and decision making processes for the creation and dissemination of content, and their interrelationship with the overall governance of the organization (e.g., strategic, financial, commercial). Report processes in place to ensure editorial independence from the influence of government, business or interest groups.


Government funding and support

Knowledge of financial assistance and advertising revenue received from government sources can be useful for society to evaluate editorial independence and evaluate content. Other types of assistance or contributions, or lack of them, as well as discretionary application of norms and regulations, are also relevant to evaluate editorial independence and content, especially in countries with restrictions on freedom of expression.


Non-government funding and support

This Indicator provides a measure of non-governmental contributions to the reporting organization. The significant financial assistance received from an NGO, foundation, or private company can be useful for developing a balanced picture of the transactions between the reporting organization and nongovernmental entities. Knowledge of financial assistance, advertising revenue, and in-kind support received from non-governmental sources can be useful



MEDIA





for stakeholders to evaluate content and editorial independence

Ownership structures

being transparent about their ownership structures (and how this may affect the information that they produce); The blurring of the boundaries between news, PR and entertainment may result in news and information providers producing material that does not meet the criteria of independence, impartiality, integrity, reliability and credibility. If an information or news provider is not perceived as trustworthy, it may lose customers to other providers or it may find itself subject to regulatory scrutiny. Reduction in the number of viewers/readers/listeners/followers may, in turn, affect the company`s ability to attract advertisers. Sector Report


Intellectual property rights

Content creators

Intellectual Property: Article 27 of the Universal declaration of Human Rights: ‘Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary, or artistic production of which he is the author’. Report the management approach to ensuring that all disseminated content acknowledges and respects the intellectual property rights of all authors.


* GRI Sector Guidance

1 All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx



MEDIA


References

All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx

66 Castan Centre for Human Rights Law; International Business Leaders Forum; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2008. Human Rights Translated, A Business Reference Guide, New York: United Nations Global Compact.

153 European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) and Society of Investment Professionals in Germany (DVFA), 2010. KPIs for ESG - A Guideline for the Integration of ESG into Financial Analysis and Corporate Valuation, Frankfurt am Main: EFFAS.

170 European Social Investment Forum (Eurosif), 2012. Sector Report: Media Sector, Brussels: Eurosif.

185 Forest Ethics, n.d. Model Forest Resources Policy. [Online] Available at: http://www.forestethics.org/model-forest-resources-policy [Accessed 27 March 2013].

209* Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Media Sector Supplement, 2012.

295 International Federation of Journalists, 2002. Putting Children in the Right - Guidelines for Journalists and Media Professionals, Brussels: International Federation of Journalists.

334 International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Child Online Protection: Statistical Framework and Indicators 2010, 2010.

389° Natixis, 2011. Strategy Note Equity Research - Strategy/SRI: Monthly review June 2011, Paris: Natixis.

460 Robeco SAM, 2012. The Sustainability Yearbook 2012, Zurich: Robeco SAM.

479° Société Générale, 2011. SRI: Beyond Integration, from satellite to core, Paris: Société Générale.

520 UNICEF, 2012. Child Safety Online: Global Challenges and Strategies, Florence: Innocenti.

569 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), The WWF Guide to Buying Paper, 2010.

* GRI Sector Guidance



MEDIA


° Resource available on request and/or for a fee.

Date post:	04-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

Media - Global Reporting Initiative · printing to new digital techniques, or other changes. 209*...

Documents