Journalistic Code of Ethics: The Last Bastion of Press Credibility in the Information Age

The advancement of digital technology has fundamentally altered the media landscape and created new challenges for the implementation of journalistic ethics. Phenomena such as disinformation, hoaxes, clickbait practices, and the demand for rapid publication have the potential to displace the basic principles of journalism based on accuracy, independence, and balance. This study aims to analyse the role of the Journalistic Code of Ethics as the last bastion in maintaining press credibility in the digital era. The research employed a qualitative approach with a library research method, analysing various scientific literature, regulations, institutional reports, and relevant research findings.

The findings indicate that the application of the Journalistic Code of Ethics is a major factor in maintaining public trust in the media amidst the increasing flow of digital information. However, its implementation still faces various challenges, such as economic pressures on media organisations, competition for audience attention, and the blurring distinction between professional journalists and digital content creators. Therefore, strengthening institutional oversight, reinforcing a culture of verification in newsrooms, and improving public digital literacy are necessary to ensure the code of ethics continues to function as an ethical foundation that safeguards the quality of information and press credibility.