Journalist's “Consciousness Clause” in the Digital Age - EU Harmonization or New Model for the 21st Century?

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the importance of the "conscience clause" of the journalist in the current context of a society of social appropriation of new technologies of information and communication, which changed the way of doing journalism. Consider the weaknesses of this law that, with a few of others, form the "checks and balances" against the internal policies of the media. Appreciates the harmonization of viability in the context of the European Union, or, in a more comprehensive alternative formulation.

While specificity guarantee of independence, gives the professional the opportunity to say "enough" to situations which seriously offend their convictions and dignity, self-disentailing labor contract without prejudice.?It is protected by the national laws of several European countries and international conventions, in pursuing the values of democracy intended to be cut across the new Social Media. The defense of these values continues to be registered cases of imprisoned journalists and killed. Stated in the European Union's resolution 1003/1993 on the Council of Europe Journalism Ethics which states that that right may be "clarified towards harmonization and regulation" in the member states.

The research uses a qualitative methodology, through interviews, content analysis and documental reflection.?The profound changes in journalism, remember the period of its French origins (1935), in which the profession was "in poor condition". Yesterday as today, journalism is art that survives, always in crisis, like the funambulist: go the ropes and overcome the obstacle continues to be your challenge.