TV Show 'Horizonte' Accused of Breaking Journalism Rules
The Spanish television programme 'Horizonte' has been formally accused of violating the code of ethics set out by the FAPE, Spain's leading association for professional journalism standards.
The accusation was issued by the Comisión de DeontologÃa, a committee within the FAPE responsible for examining possible breaches of journalistic ethics.
The case centres on comments made by presenter Carmen Porter during an appearance on 'Horizonte', which is broadcast on the Spanish television channel Cuatro.
According to the FAPE, Porter made a statement claiming that it is a tradition among the inhabitants of Tangier, a city in northern Morocco, to urinate in bottles.
The committee reviewed the remarks as part of its role in monitoring whether journalists and broadcasters uphold professional standards when discussing communities or nationalities.
Following its examination, the Comisión de DeontologÃa concluded that the comments made on the programme amounted to a breach of the FAPE's ethical code.
As a result, the FAPE determined that Cuatro, the channel responsible for broadcasting the show, had failed to comply with the standards expected of professional journalism.
The ruling places particular scrutiny on how television presenters characterise entire populations or cities, especially when such claims could be considered offensive or inaccurate.
This decision adds to a broader conversation in Spanish media about the limits of free expression on entertainment programmes and the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure respectful, accurate content.
The FAPE has not publicly detailed what, if any, formal consequences will follow the ruling, as its code of ethics functions primarily as a professional guideline rather than a legally binding regulation.
Neither 'Horizonte' nor Cuatro has issued a public response to the committee's findings so far.
The case highlights the ongoing role that independent bodies like the FAPE play in holding media organisations accountable for the conduct of their on-air personalities, even in programmes focused on entertainment rather than news.
Vocabulary8 words
- accused
- said someone did something bad
- code
- a set of official rules
- committee
- a group that studies and decides things
- ethics
- rules about right and wrong behaviour
- broadcast
- shown on television
- statement
- something said publicly
- inhabitants
- people living in a place
- offensive
- likely to upset or insult people
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Quiz
Answer key
1. The Comisión de DeontologÃa, part of the FAPE 2. That it is a tradition in Tangier to urinate in bottles 3. False
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Discussion questions
- What role should independent ethics committees like the FAPE play in regulating television content?
- How should broadcasters balance entertainment value with respect for the communities they discuss?
- Can generalised statements about a city's 'traditions' contribute to harmful stereotypes? Why or why not?
- Since the FAPE's code is not legally binding, how effective do you think such rulings are in changing media behaviour?
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