Ethics Of Media

Media &Ethics

Ð'ÐŽÐ'§Loss of wealth is nothing, loss of health means something but loss of morals means loss of everythingÐ'ÐŽÐ'Ё says so an Irish saying.

Every constitution of the world guarantees freedom of press and freedom of speech, but conditionally. The freedom of press and electronic media should not be misused to create a situation of the law of jungle. Free media strengthens the national unity, upholds the laws of the land and contributes towards the emotional integration of the country. The media should also not be afraid of upholding and supporting a just and righteous cause. It has to be eternally vigilant to protect the right of public and should also give a balanced view of the things and happenings. Public can be helped by media in the formation of a healthy public opinion and correct perspective of the events. Otherwise it can play havoc by suppressing any news or giving it an importance out of all proportions. Our constitution has recognized the freedom of expression and speech of the citizens, which is the basis of the freedom of press.

Ethics vital for every journalist

Ð'„Ð'± Nobody is allowed to write or speak against Islam, Quaid-e-Azam or ideology of the country.

Ð'„Ð'± Truth is the main principle. But every truth is not worth publishing.

Ð'„Ð'± National interests are paramount than anything else.

Ð'„Ð'± No other religion should be cursed.

Ð'„Ð'± Media must avoid every item bearing obscenity.

Ð'„Ð'± The courts have consistently held that obscenity, indecency, blasphemy and profanity are not the privileges of speech and press.

Codes Of Ethics

The journalistÐ'ÐŽÐ'¦s creed: it is widely known in America written by WALTER WILLIAM

1. I believe in the profession of journalism.

2. The public journal is a public trust.

3. Accuracy and fairness are fundamentals to good journalism.

4. A journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

5. Suppression of the news for any consideration other than the welfare of society is indefensible.

6. No one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman.

7. Advertising, news, editorial columns should alike serve the best interest of readers.

8. The journalism which succeeds best fears God and honors man, is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid.

Obligations of Publishers

It includes:

Ð'„Ð'± Responsibility to make a clear distinction between matters presented as paid advertisement and presented as news, interpretation or opinion.

Ð'„Ð'± PublisherÐ'ÐŽÐ'¦s responsibilities to other news media can be summarized as Ð'ÐŽÐ'§Live and let liveÐ'ÐŽÐ'Ё.

Ð'„Ð'± A desk man must not edit story in such a way as to change or distort the original meaning

Ð'„Ð'± The headlines must be fair and should be harmonized with the news

Ð'„Ð'± Off the record information is ought not to be published.

Obligations of Reporters

Getting the news

Ð'„Ð'± In some situations, reporters must face the possibility to convince a reluctant source.

Ð'„Ð'± Reporters should not stoop to such methods as hiding in a closet to get the news of secret meeting

Ð'„Ð'± Other unethical methods include practice of interring homes and stealing pictures for publication and completely concealing oneÐ'ÐŽÐ'¦s identity in order to get a story.

Keeping Confidence

Ð'„Ð'± A news source may be willing to give information but may demand not to be identified.

Ð'„Ð'± A source may give information for the newsmanÐ'ÐŽÐ'¦s own background but not for publication.

Ð'„Ð'± Once a promise is made, the pledge must not be broken.

Gifts and Favors

Gifts are offered for the purpose of Ð'ÐŽÐ'§buyingÐ'ÐŽÐ'Ё friendly treatment by the newsmen.

Obligations To News Subject

Ð'„Ð'± News reporters must identify those in the news both as a duty to his readers and in some instances as a duty to others who might conceivably be confused with those in the news.

Ð'„Ð'± Related problems involve the mention of race, religion, nationality or group membership in identification.

Obligations to Public

Ð'„Ð'± A newsman has the obligation to report fairly and honestly all the news

o Which he believes the readers should read.

o And most of the news which he believes the readers want to know

Ð'„Ð'± Duty of news reporters is to avoid the use of wording or details potentially offensive to the readers or their children.

Ð'„Ð'± He should avoid the reporting of such news which might alarm the public or tend to cease panic or public disturbance.

Ð'„Ð'± Articles, news, photos and advertisements should not carry the below mentioned contents:

o Exhibitionism, sexuality

o Use of