Abstract

Purpose: This paper reviews the origins of the Ethics Council of the Federation of Social Communication Media of Chile (1991-2019) and looks into the historical circumstances surrounding its creation, the concept of self-regulation as understood by its founders, and the criteria that initially ruled its operation. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative survey of nine contemporary witnesses and the confrontation with the scientific literature. Findings: The results reveal a significant coincidence with the academic literature both in the description of the concept of self-regulation and in the origin of the ethics councils and of the system under which they operate. However, a series of nuances not usually considered in the concept of self-regulation are described. Originality/value: This study will help assess the national and international possibilities of self-regulation and the significance of the Chilean ethics council.