The phone hacking scandal is having widespread consequences. Witness, for example, the decision by Australia's press council to investigate journalism practices at the country's newspapers and magazines.
It is staging a national series of round-table meetings with citizens and print media representatives to discuss improvements to journalistic ethics.
This is despite the fact that there has been no suggestion at all of newspaper misbehaviour approaching the scale of that in Britain.
But revised standards of conduct are expected to be released in the coming months, such as one involving journalists who seek access to hospital patients and another relating to the taking of photographs in, or from, public places.
Other likely "rules" involve the alteration of photos, whether headlines fairly reflect the tenor of articles, conflicts of interest, using dishonest or unfair means to gain information, how to ensure fairness, accuracy and balance.
Council chairman Julian Disney said the project is part of the council's proactive work to improve standards rather than simply dealing with complaints.
"It's about spreading good journalism practice," he said. "A key element of it is to make sure the standards find their way into newsrooms in a format that will enable busy journalists to consult them."
The council's publishing members - which include News Corp's Australian division, News Limited - account for about 98% of the country's newspaper and magazine print sales.
Source: The Australian
