ETHICS OF
JOURNALISM
INTRODUCTION
■ 'Ethics' implies the norms which a journalist must uphold and
cherish in order to keep the integrity and the sanctity of the
profession intact.
■ According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, "ethics" is a
system or code of morals, of a particular person, religion,
group, profession, etc. In the modem times, when the
"business” angle is gaining priority in the newspaper
industry, it requires quite an effort on the part of a scribe to
function in accordance with the ethical norms of the
profession.
Journalists like other citizens, are governed by all the
laws of the land. In the profession of journalism, as in
other professions, there is a sizeable area of activity
which remains out of the domain of law and must be
governed by a professional code of ethics.
In order to carry his message effectively, and to maintain
the credibility of his newspaper or magazine, a journalist
has to disseminate news and views in accordance with
established norms and traditions of the society.
A free press, which is so essential for the functioning of
democracy, postulates freedom from fear and violence
which, in turn, postulates a strong government capable
of coping adequately with the forces of terrorism and
disorder.
Today it is no secret that newsmen are being
threatened and coerced and they are being even
physically eliminated. Despite all the provocations
and dangers, journalists must function strictly
within the framework of ethical norms. Some of
the well accepted ethical norms are as follows:
1) Accuracy and fairness : A journalist must
inform, and comment on matters of public interest,
in a fair, accurate unbiased and decent manner.
Inaccuracy and personal remarks should always be
avoided.
2) Prepublication Verification : Verification and
checking of news before publication is all the more
necessary where its publication, and the comments
based thereon, can create complications.
3) Caution Against Defamatory Writings :
Newspapers/news channels should not
publish/broadcast anything which is per se
defamatory or libelous against any individual or
organization, unless after due care and checking,
they have sufficient reason to believe that it is true
and that its publication will be for public good.
4) Privacy : Intrusion or Invasion on the privacy
of individuals is not permissible unless
outweighed by genuine overriding public
interest. The names of sexual assault survivors
should not be published or a pseudonym should
be provided.
5) Eschew Suggestive Guilt : Newspapers
should eschew suggestive guilt by association.
They should not name or identify the family or
relatives or associates of a person convicted or
accused of a crime when they are totally innocent
and a reference to them is not relevant to the
6) Corrections : When any factual error or mistake
is detected or confirmed, the newspaper should
publish the correction promptly, with due prominence
and with an apology or expression of regret in a case
of serious lapse. He should also give due weightage
to the right of reply and to the letters to the Editor.
7) Communal Reports : Proper verification must be
done before publishing reports regarding communal
clashes or disputes. The report should not vitiate the
situation. Instead it should aim at soothing the ruffled
feelings.
8) Sensational Headings : Sensational headings should
be avoided. Headlines should conform to the contents of
news stories. They should be clear, unambiguous and
authentic.
9) Eschew Vulgarity and Obscenity : Obscene and
vulgar items should be done away with as these offend the
public's good taste. Also, never glorify violence.
10) Avoid Crass Commercialism : In order to make
profits, a newspaper should not throw the ethics and
journalistic values to the winds. Instead, it should try to
create a suitable equilibrium between objectivity and
commercialism.
