TEMPO.CO, Malang - The Press Council said that it has received 375 complaints on several reportings in the past six months, while throughout 2013, the total of complaints was recorded at more than 800. These complaints are related to media reporting that violates journalism ethics.
"This year's complaints are relatively the same as [in 2013]," said Yoseph Adi Prasetyo, chief of Legal Commission in the Press Council, on Sunday, July 6, 2014.
According to Yoseph, the Press Council brings the conflicting parties together to solve their disputes. Most complaints recommend media companies to release an apology in the media in accordance with the right of reply as regulated in the Press Law.
However, there are cases considered to be criminal cases and will be brought to court if the Press Council's analysis discovers any indication of criminal violations, such as blackmail and sectarian reporting (SARA).
During the legislative and presidential elections, the Press Council said that it had not receive many complaints althogh some media companies have openly choose sides.
EKO WIDIANTO