Main Points

There are several types of informal controls on the mass media, including ethics, performance codes, organizational policies, self-criticism, and outside pressures.
The most important ethical principles that provide guidance in this area are the golden mean, the categorical imperative, the principle of utility, the veil of ignorance, and the principle of self-determination.
All the media have performance codes that suggest principles to guide professional behavior.
Many media organizations have standards departments that monitor the content that is published or broadcast.
The National Advertising Review Council is the main organization that supervises self-regulation in advertising.
Outside pressures from advertisers can sometimes influence media conduct.
Special interest groups, such as Action for Children's Television, have been successful in modifying the content and practices of the TV industry.
Although they exist in many foreign countries, only a few press councils operate in the United States.

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