Transparency

Transparency in journalism implies that journalists make practices, processes, and sources open to public scrutiny. In journalism studies, it is considered an ethical principle and norm.

As a concept, transparency means a commitment to openness by individuals, institutions, and organizations. In public administration and governance, transparency is deployed as a counteracting measure against forms of institutional and organizational opacity and secrecy. However, as an organizational principle it can be understood as entailing active disclosure, meaning that beyond openness, the public is given the means and opportunity as well as the motivation to seek the truth. Scholars, such as Lars Thøger Christensen and George Cheney, consider that transparency practices signify the willingness of institutions to allow for public scrutiny and participation in oversight.

However, in journalism studies, the ...