Accountability systems

The NCRTV creates rules and codes of ethics related to journalism, information, political programmes, advertisement et cetera. These rules are regulatory and mandatory. The Code of Journalist Ethics (Code of Ethics) issued by NCRTV, refers to themes related to journalistic morals and practices. Similarly, the NCRTV in consultation with the PanHellenic Federation of Journalists' Unions (POESY), advertising agencies, and public and private broadcasters has issued a Code of Conduct for News and Other Political Programs for journalists working for broadcast media. It was ratified by a Presidential Decree (77/2003). The NCRTV additionally issued The Code of Ethics on Broadcasting Advertisement, which regulates issues related to advertising, respect of privacy, human rights, copyright law and other matters.

On the other hand, the values evoked by the Athens Daily Newspaper Journalists’ Union (ESIEA) in order to justify the need for self-regulation through compliance with the Code of Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility are quite different. These values are related to a) safeguarding the freedom of information and expression, the autonomy and dignity of journalists, b) shielding the freedom of press, c) ensuring the social function of journalists in the globalised and oligopolistic communication field and d) resisting any attempts of state influence or other influence over the work of journalists. Similar values are also defended by other associations of journalists throughout Greece, which have drawn up relevant codes of conduct. 

In the field of advertising, except for the code of conduct issued by the NCRTV, attempts have been made for self-regulation. As a result the regulation of advertising is also based on the Greek Code of Advertising and Communication, defining the rules of professional conduct and ethical behaviour that must be followed by all those involved in advertising (namely advertisers, companies or authorities to be advertised, advertising media as well as principals and representatives of all these forms of communication). The Code refers to the advertisements of all kinds of products and services, and to all forms of commercial and social communication. The Greek Code of Advertising and Communication was drawn up by the Hellenic Association of Advertising & Communication Companies (EDEE in Greek) and the Hellenic Association of Advertised Enterprises (SDE in Greek). A revised version of the Code has been in force since 1st January 2007, including provisions consistent with the new ways of promotion, such as telemarketing, Internet, direct marketing. It places emphasis on the protection of children, personal data and the environment and introduces special provisions for sponsorship.

The application of the ethical standards in commercial communications, as defined in the Greek Code of Advertising and Communication, is guaranteed by an independent civil company, of non-for-profit character, named Council of Communication Control (SEE in Greek). It oversees the operation of Boards (primary and secondary one) which have the exclusive competence to judge – automatically or following a complaint – the advertising compliance with the principles of the Greek Code of Advertising and Communication. Since its establishment in December 2003 the Council of Communication Control (SEE), , has been a member of the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA). The media regulatory authority (NCRTV) collaborates with the Council of Communication Control and is informed of its decisions.

In November 2016, the Greek Online Publishers Association (ENED) established or formed a self-regulatory framework for journalists and digital media.