ERC/2026/241 (CONTJOR-NET) — Complaint by João Castro against the periodical publication Terras de Basto, concerning the item entitled “JS/Cabeceiras cancels electoral assembly” published on 19 November 2025 on the website

ERC (Portugal) · 2026-08-26 · PT · verified record

Themes: Media & broadcasting · Online platforms

Decision ERC/2026/241 (CONTJOR-NET) Complaint by João Castro against the periodical publication Terras de Basto, concerning the item entitled “JS/Cabeceiras cancels electoral assembly” published on 19 November 2025 on the website Lisbon 26 August 2026 1 500.10.01/2026/41 EDOC/2025/9131 Regulatory Board of the Regulatory Entity for the Media Decision ERC/2026/241 (CONTJOR-NET) Subject: Complaint by João Castro against the periodical publication Terras de Basto, concerning the item entitled “JS/Cabeceiras cancels electoral assembly” published on 19 November 2025 on the website I. Complaint 1. A complaint was received by the Regulatory Entity for the Media (hereinafter, ERC), on 21 November 2025, from João Castro against the periodical publication Terras de Basto, concerning the item entitled “JS/Cabeceiras cancels electoral assembly”, published on the website on 19 November 2025, for alleged breach of informative accuracy. 2. The Complainant states that “the news item in question, besides distorting facts, presents false, unfounded and harmful statements, seeking to create controversy and cast doubt on the probity and work carried out by the members of the Socialist Youth and the Socialist Party in the municipality”. 3. He considers that “the published content violates fundamental principles of journalism, namely the duties of accuracy, impartiality, truthfulness and respect for the good faith of readers, as provided for in the Press Law and in the Journalists' Code of Ethics”. 4. He adds that “the notice mentioned in the news item was wrongly shared by the national structure, and is not, under any circumstances, the responsibility of the local structure”. 5. He further stresses that “the journalist, having means to verify this information before publication, chose not to do so, contributing to the dissemination of incorrect and harmful information”.…