犯罪報道とオンブズマン (<特集>II 犯罪報道をめぐる諸問題)

抄録

Crime news often poses problems of undue damage to peace and integrity of the people involved. Particularly true in our society where competitive media swarm over whatever topic (or scandal) they sniff out and almost one-ethnic nation of a hundred million population of one language, one time (GMT) and of virtually one life-style well sup on headlines passed over into the door of each house. The year 1985 was characterized by our mass media having reached a new depth in combing out scandals, murders and accident bloodsheds, too deep and too derogatory. Reporters' pushing too far recoiled on itself. Mr.Asano, a reporter at the Kyodo News Agency, voiced a call for more decency in reporting. He referred to Scandinavian "anonymity reporting" and Press council/Ombudsman system. Asano's point was supported by many fellow news-men, lawyers, academics as well as by lay citizens. They initiated a movement to improve the present system of mass media. There is another problem for us to sift out. The government policy of "non-access to public documents," apparently undemocratic practices obstinately handed over from old regime, should be recalled. Establishment of the principle of free access to public documents provides a basis for a drastic change in the relations between the government and the media and between the media and the people・・・・・・from subordinative to equal relationships, because the press no longer "monopolize" the news-sources. Some examples of autonomous schemes of self-restraint on the part of mass media are reviewed : Ombudsman of the Washington Post and other United States newspapers, and Swedish Press Ombudsman and Press Council. They are not legal entities, their decisions being publicized by virtue of agreement with mass media. They accept complaints, investigate those worthy of attention, and then take steps to remedy the problems ・・・・・・"intercession, conciliation, or, in extremes, publicizing professional misconduct in order to force improvement. The word publicizing means to let both newsrporters, editors and the readers know what is right and what is wrong. They all need improved recognition・・・・・・a sure method to control the problem.