There are some rare exceptions to this, such as the Swedish press councils which have powers to fine offending publications. But modern world press council standards have been largely based on the British model between 1963 and 1990. Most credible contemporary press councils include a tripartite structure - representatives of owners, journalists and the public. And they rely on public censure. The rationale, as Prof Bertrand says, is simple.
Professional journalists own the competence to find, filter and process the news.
As for the public, it owns the freedom of speech and press. However, if Cyprus and Turkey are also added, this totals 15 councils out of 18 nations in Western Europe. In the Eastern European countries emerging from totalitarian rule after a half century, only Estonia has one. Such bodies can do little to address the flaws of modern journalism. It may be exercised by journalists, and by citizens generally, through speaking, writing, publishing and broadcasting or through non-violent physical acts.