What are the core principles of the Plenum.ba Ethical Code?

Plenum.ba commits to accuracy impartiality editorial independence privacy protection prohibition of hate speech and transparent corrections in line with BiH legislation EMFA JTI and relevant professional standards.

Freedom. Responsibility. Truth.

Ethical Code and Editorial Standards

Purpose and Documentation

Mission and Vision

Independence and Editorial Autonomy

Prohibition of Hate Speech and Discrimination

Protection of Privacy and Personal Data

Management of Conflicts of Interest

Responsibility Corrections and Transparency

Referent Framework and Legislation

Final Provision

Ethical Code and Editorial Standards

1. Purpose and Documentation

This page sets out the fundamental ethical and professional framework governing the operation of the Plenum.ba platform. Its purpose is to ensure that all content published on the portal complies with the applicable legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, relevant regulations of the European Union, and international standards of journalistic practice.The Ethical Code defines the fundamental principles of professional conduct for authors and the editorial team, with the aim of preserving public trust, protecting freedom of expression, and promoting responsible accurate and impartial reporting.Plenum.ba is based on the following regulations and standards:

Code for Print and Online Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina
European Media Freedom Act (EMFA – EU Regulation 2024/1083)
Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) standards
Google News Initiative guidelines for publishers

2. Mission and Vision

The mission of the Plenum.ba platform is grounded in the motto: Freedom Responsibility TruthThese three values form the foundation of every journalistic and authorial content published on the platform.In everyday work, this implies:

freedom of expression without censorship or political pressure
responsibility toward the public laws and ethical standards
obligation to verify facts and clearly distinguish between facts opinions and commentary

Plenum.ba operates as an open media platform for independent authors whose goal is not the promotion of specific ideologies or interests but informing the public and encouraging public dialogue.

3. Independence and Editorial Autonomy

Plenum.ba is a politically ideologically and corporately independent platform.In accordance with Article 6 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the portal’s editorial policy:

does not serve the interests of political parties
is not subject to pressure from economic entities advertisers or sponsors
is not subject to the interests of individual persons or interest groups

Authors have freedom of expression, but are obliged to:

clearly distinguish facts from personal opinions
avoid manipulative or misleading presentation of information
adhere to professional standards of accuracy and fair reporting

4. Prohibition of Hate Speech and Discrimination

Plenum.ba applies a policy of zero tolerance toward hate speech and discrimination.The following content is prohibited:

incitement to hatred or violence or intolerance

insulting or belittling individuals or groups based on:

nationality or ethnic affiliation
religion or belief
race skin color or origin
gender gender identity or sexual orientation
disability health condition or other personal characteristics

This policy is fully aligned with:

the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination of Bosnia and Herzegovina
the Code for Print and Online Media of Bosnia and Herzegovina

All such content will be removed, and authors may be subject to measures including suspension or permanent prohibition of publishing.

5. Protection of Privacy and Personal Data

Plenum.ba respects the right of individuals to privacy dignity and protection of personal data.Publishing information about the private lives of individuals is permitted only when:

there is a clear public interest
the information is relevant to the social or political responsibility of the subject
there is no disproportionate intrusion into privacy

Special care is applied to:

minors
victims of violence and criminal offenses
persons in vulnerable social categories

The identity of such persons will not be published unless there is explicit consent or a legal obligation.

6. Management of Conflicts of Interest

Authors and collaborators of Plenum.ba are required to avoid any situations that may lead to a conflict of interest.A conflict of interest exists when the author:

has a financial interest in the topic they are writing about
has a family business or other relationship with the subject of reporting
participates in political business or activist structures related to the topic

In such cases, the author is obliged to:

report a potential conflict to the editorial team
refrain from writing on the topic
clearly disclose the potential conflict of interest within the text

7. Responsibility Corrections and Transparency

Plenum.ba is committed to:

correcting inaccurate information without delay
publishing corrections and replies in accordance with the law
transparency regarding sources of information whenever possible

Errors are not concealed or deleted without explanation. They are clearly marked and corrected.In this way, the portal protects the credibility of its content and the trust of its readers.

8. Referent Framework and Legislation

This Ethical Code is based on the following documents:

Code for Print and Online Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Press Council of BiH
European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – EU Regulation 2024/1083
Law on Prohibition of Discrimination of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Global Principles of Ethics for Journalists – International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) – RSF standards
Google News Initiative guidelines for publishers

9. Final Provision

This page applies to all authors of the Plenum.ba platform.Violation of these rules may result in:

warning
temporary suspension
permanent removal of author status

The Ethical Code will be periodically updated in accordance with legislative changes and the development of professional standards.Plenum.ba remains permanently committed to free and responsible and professional journalism in the service of the public interest.

Freedom. Responsibility. Truth.

Ethical Code and Editorial Standards

Purpose and Documentation

Mission and Vision

Independence and Editorial Autonomy

Prohibition of Hate Speech and Discrimination

Protection of Privacy and Personal Data

Management of Conflicts of Interest

Responsibility Corrections and Transparency

Referent Framework and Legislation

Final Provision

Ethical Code and Editorial Standards

1. Purpose and Documentation

2. Mission and Vision

3. Independence and Editorial Autonomy

4. Prohibition of Hate Speech and Discrimination

5. Protection of Privacy and Personal Data

6. Management of Conflicts of Interest

7. Responsibility Corrections and Transparency

8. Referent Framework and Legislation

9. Final Provision

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