Impress launch ‘Creating Ethical Media and Journalism’ course

Independent Media Association
3 days ago
2 min read

Impress, the UK’s only independent press regulator, launched their new ethical journalism course today (15 October).

Built in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield, Creating Ethical Media and Journalism has also received accreditation from the CPD Certification Service, meaning participants know they will receive professional development of the highest possible standard and receive a qualification for their work.

Featuring more than 40 hours of content, Creating Ethical Media and Journalism includes first-hand case studies from organisations such as the Poynter Institute, The New York Times and the BBC, as well as videos and podcasts to support and reinforce learning.

“With rising tide of inaccuracies and the poor practises of some plaguing our media and information space, there has never been a more important time for media organisations to take proactive steps to enact change,” Chief Executive Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana said.

“An accredited training course in journalism ethics will equip both current and future journalists with the tools needed to build audience trust and carry out public interest reporting with confidence.

“We must ensure that those providing information are able to represent and report to their communities with integrity.”

What will participants learn?

As well as getting a grounding in ethical theories and case studies of unethical journalism, participants will also hear from representatives of communities who frequently feel the brunt of poor ethical practice, including domestic violence, disability and mental health charities.

Dr Beth Parkes, Education Manager, said: “Our research has shown that journalists are eager for professional development opportunities that will help them build trust with their audiences.

“But the public also want journalism and media that is accurate, inclusive and doesn’t breach their rights.

“We look forward to journalists and content creators learning more about how they can continue to hold power to account and inform the public, while keeping ethics at the forefront of their minds.”

The launch of the course follows in-depth consultation with journalists, academics and stakeholders into what a journalism ethics course should look like. A pilot study of the first four modules was then held with 30 journalists earlier in summer 2025 whose feedback was then incorporated into the final version of the course.

Course details

Over the nine modules, participants will work to create their own ethical framework that will allow them to navigate future ethical issues with confidence, improving the quality of journalism available to the public in the process.

After an overview of ethical theories, participants will go on to learn about the rights of the public - including privacy, freedom of speech and access to public information – bolstering their ability to operate in the public interest.

They will then learn more about topics such as: