The New Nation - Internet Edition

Prof.M Zahidul Haque

Recently I read a note offering apology by the Editor of a reputed English daily for publishing an article in that newspaper which was malicious, sweeping, full of innuendos but contained no facts.

I was glad to see the Editor's goodwill and courage to accept a mistake and to regret for that. Well, the Editor mentioned three purposes behind writing the note.While stating his third purpose, the Editor raised a core ethical question-whether a columnist has the right to malign individuals,families or groups without any proof.Here comes the issue of ethics of journalism.

A few days ago while re-launching a English daily, President Iajuddin Ahmed called upon the media people to maintain the ethics of journalism and bring out objective news with a sense of obligation to the nation. Emphasising the important elements of code of ethics in journalism, the President said - "As you know, accuracy,objectivity, patriotism and public accountability are some of the vital elements of code of ethics in journalism, which should be upheld". Some vital elements of journalistic ethics have been highlighted in the above observation made by our Hon'ble President.

It is known to every journalist that there are some journalism ethics and standards which are called - 'Code of Ethics' or 'Canons of Journalism'. The ethics of journalism includes,truthfulness, accuracy, wisdom, courage,justice,temperance, objectivity, impartiality and public accountability. While making a report on an event, a journalist must keep in mind these code of ethics and devote himself to report only those matters which are based on fact and evidences. Good faith with the reader is very important. The news served must have credibility. It should be unbiased and free of any twist or unwarranted comments either from the side of the reporter or his 'ism' quarter.

Journalistic ethics also include the principle of 'limitation of harm' that pleads to withholding certain details from the news report in support of which no significant evidence is available or which may jeopardise one's reputation in the society. Often news of persons, children related to the report are being withheld for social or humanitarian reasons. Sometimes news-photos published in some of our newspapers bypass the social and psychological limitations! The 'Code of Ethics' restricts a journalist to get involved in 'Yellow Journalism', i.e. unethical and unprofessional journalsim. Sometimes some journalist takes money or other forms of favours from people to publish certain news or to distort some news willingly. This is a very bad practice contrary to the ethics and principles of journalism.

The Editor, News Editor or the Chief Reporter under no circumstances should depute a journalist to an area to report an event in which the latter has no or little knowledge or experience. Often the News Chief, out of favour or affection deputes someone to certain bits by keeping the associated one idle!

Last but not the least,one of the fundamental ethics of journalism is 'Objectivity' which refers to fairness, disinterestedness, factuality,and nonpartisanship. Sociologist Michael Schudson (1978) argues that "the belief in objectivity is a faith in 'facts', a distrust in 'values', and a commitment to their segregation".

This author feels and believes that a journalist/reporter in order to attain the standard of the objective journalism need to practice investigative method for gathering information and facts behind the screen. It would be evident that often some news reporters collect information from their known sources ignoring the facts lying with the other side which may have become a victim of the situation! A reporter should take time, apply his insight and conscience to dig out actual facts and figures.Investigative journalism can ensure justice to all the parties.

A responsible Press can help a society or a nation to flourish. A newspaper is said to be a unconventional court where people approach to seek justice. Journalists are the conscience of a social system. They must discharge their duties by following the code of ethics to put a social system into order through objective journalism.

The code of ethics of one of the prominent forums of journalists in the United States states :

"t..public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialists strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalis's credibility".

[Prof.M Zahidul Haque teaches Agril.Extension, Apllied & Agricultural Journalism at Shere-e-Bangla Agricultural University,Dhaka]