Romanian Journalists - Perceptions About Roles, Constraints And Autonomy

Objectivity is, according to the Romanian journalists, their most important professional role. 95% of them think that should tell the facts as they happen, without interfering in any way, and 85% say that they should be detached observers, according to the study Worlds of Journalism. On the other hand, half of the journalists said that what is ethical in journalism depends on a specific situation. This paper will examine the perceptions of Romanian journalists regarding their professional roles, internal or external constraints, media independence and freedom of expression, all using the results of the international study Worlds of Journalism. The research was conducted in 66 countries worldwide, more than 27,000 journalists being interviewed during 2012 - 2015. In our country there were interviewed 341 journalists from 80 media organizations (radio, TV, print and online). From a theoretical point of view this paper will analyze some key concepts such as professional autonomy, perception of the role of journalists or the social functions of journalism. External autonomy envisages independence in relation to other spheres of power in society (McQuail, 2005), the degree of independence that journalists have when doing their job and whether this is consistent with the ideological values and ethical principles. Also, we must not forget the ways through which the press serves democracy: it should inform, supervise governments and the political class and give voice to public opinion (Curran, 2011).