Code of ethics for journalists

Like all my earlier newspapers, The Indian News, will soon be part of New Zealand Media Council (NZMC). We have already applied for it, and are waiting for the formalities to complete.

But even before that, I must assure our readers that we have been adhering to the principles of NZMC, and much more, in what all we have been doing. In essence, we follow The Fourth Estate’s detailed Code of Practice (https://www.fourthestate.org/journalism-code-of-practice/), also known as – the ethical standards of journalism - whose summary (non-exhasutive) I give below:

Accuracy - Ensure that all the facts reported are accurate. Do not omit facts. Ensure that adequate context is provided. Clearly distinguish between fact and assertion or opinion.

Independence - Make editorial judgments based on facts, and not influenced by political, sectional, or commercial interests. Always declare and manage any conflicts of interest, including gifts, funding, advertising relationships, and free or discounted travel or services.

Impartiality - Treat all facts the same. Do not allow your own views, preferences, biases, or prejudgements to affect your work. Aim to include an appropriate diversity of views, and accord those views the space warranted by their prominence and significance.

Integrity - Always identify yourself as a journalist, unless withholding disclosure is essential to uncovering the truth in a matter of public importance. The use of any form of secret information gathering (hidden cameras, secret recording devices, etc…) may be justifiable if it is essential to uncovering the truth in a matter of public importance. Provide anyone accused of misbehavior a reasonable opportunity to respond. Attribute information to its source unless that source needs to be protected to ensure the truth can be uncovered in a matter of public importance. Where a source needs anonymity, provide it. Do not plagiarize.

Harm minimization - Avoid the gratuitous use of offensive, confronting, or harm-inducing sounds, imagery, or words. Respect people’s reasonable rights to privacy unless they are outweighed by the need to report on a matter of public importance. Show sensitivity when dealing with children, victims of crime, or people who are especially vulnerable due, for example, to trauma, injury, illness, or other factors.

Engagement - Your decisions on what work to do should be based on what is relevant and newsworthy to the community you serve.

Accountability - Respond constructively to any complaints, particularly those related to matters raised in relation to these standards. Where errors or potentially incomplete or misleading information is found, corrections or clarifications should be made promptly, prominently, and transparently.

- Gaurav Sharma