Media and violence against women in the Basque Country: A self-regulation case study

This article explores the impact of media self-regulation on the portrayal of gender-based violence in the Basque Country, particularly following the implementation of a regional Code of Conduct in 2016. By analysing 390 news items across seven major newspapers between 2015 and 2017, the study evaluates the extent to which journalistic practices aligned with recommended ethical standards. The findings highlight significant improvements in the use of appropriate terminology—such as “violence against women” and “male chauvinistic violence”—as well as increased media visibility of these events. However, discrepancies persist in the application of anonymity guidelines for victims and the contextualisation of cases with service information. The research reveals challenges in maintaining consistency due to newsroom routines, lack of specialised training, and time constraints. While the Basque media has demonstrated a commitment to treating femicide as a structural social problem, further improvement is needed in sourcing, expert consultation, and the inclusion of prevention-oriented content. This case study contributes to feminist media studies by evidencing how regional regulation and feminist activism can reshape journalistic norms. It also provides a model for evaluating ethical compliance in newsrooms confronting complex social issues.