Press Rights : Germany

Press rights are governed by the press laws of the states, which are consistent on basic issues such as the right of journalists to refuse to disclose their sources of information and the right of others who have been the subject of newspaper reporting to have a counter-statement published. Print media are required to exercise due care and to indicate the title and address of the publication, the date of issue, the names of the owners and editors, etc. Publishers and journalists exercise self-control through the German Press Council, which looks into charges of negligence and unethical conduct. Its views are not binding, however.