The public does not have any automatic right of access to the pages of print media or broadcast-media airwaves.

Newspapers reserve the right to edit the letters they publish and write headlines for them, so long as they do not change the author’s meaning. They can refuse to publish certain letters, so long as their refusal is not motivated by bias, enmity or a desire to suppress information that is in the public interest.

The media have an obligation to welcome editorial contributions from readers, listeners or viewers.

The media and journalists have an obligation to encourage the free circulation of ideas and the expression of many points of view, be it by publishing letters to the editor, background papers, press releases, opinion pieces, studies, polls, analyses or by opening the airwaves to the public. These initiatives diversify the sources of information and help foster the public debates that are part of democratic life.

Media outlets remain responsible for all that they publish or broadcast, and that includes material submitted by the public. It is also the media’s responsibility to act in a courteous and open way toward their readers, listeners or viewers, and avoid placing unnecessary hurdles in the way of those who would like to make their voices heard.

Media outlets should develop and publicize guidelines for the publication of open letters, background papers, press releases and opinion articles submitted by the public. Criteria for public participation in open-line and public-affairs programs should also be adopted.

Letters to the editor should not be platforms for diatribes against groups or individuals.

Newspapers reserve the right to edit the letters they publish and write headlines for them, so long as they do not change the author’s meaning. They can refuse to publish certain letters, so long as their refusal is not motivated by bias, enmity or a desire to suppress information that is in the public interest.

Anonymous letters should not be published. Letters should be published with the writer’s name and city of residence. Exceptions should be made only in cases where revealing the author’s name would compromise his or her personal safety or job security and the information or opinion being conveyed is in the public interest and cannot be communicated in any other way. In such cases, the writer’s identity must be known to the media outlet. The media must never publish the street addresses and phone numbers of those who contribute letters to the editor.

The press should afford the public a reasonable right of reply to anything it publishes or broadcasts. When pertinent, individuals, groups or organizations should be permitted to respond to reports or opinion pieces that focus on them or that directly or indirectly make any accusation against them.

The publication of letters to the editor and of corrections is not always the best way to repair damage done by errors. Even so, the media must remain open to publishing or broadcasting responses from those adversely affected by their transmittal of incorrect or incomplete information.  It should show such openness to correcting errors not only in cases where there might be liability for libel or defamation, but in all cases, out of a broader concern for justice, fairness and ethics.

The journalist’s own right of reply to comments from readers, listeners or viewers is an established custom, but should be exercised judiciously and respectfully. To be effective, the reply should appear as soon as possible after the comment, and in no way denigrate, insult or discredit the contributor.