Why a Code in the first place?

The media landscape has undergone dramatic changes since the code was last revised in 2007. The role of the press – in the larger definition of media – as the Fourth Estate faces unprecedented challenges. On the one hand, rising corporatisation and consolidation of media under powerful business interests have posed fresh challenges to Editors and newsrooms in maintaining the independence of operations. On the other, the always contentious relationship between the media and the government has faced unprecedented stress. Since it is a widely accepted view amongst the members of the press that any kind of external regulation can be misused to impinge upon press freedom, a code of practice that touches upon all aspects of the professional and ethical conduct of journalists therefore becomes important as a reference point for editors, journalists, and news organisations.

Why is an independent media important in a democracy?

The UN’s Windhoek Declaration, the anniversary of which is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day on May 3 annually, puts it succinctly: “Consistent with article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development.” The declaration goes on to clarify: “By an independent press, we mean a press independent from governmental, political or economic control or from control of materials and infrastructure essential for the production and dissemination of newspapers, magazines and periodicals.”

Strengthening credibility

The fact that the media is guided by a self-imposed Code strengthens its credentials for demanding the protection of their right to receive and impart information. Media organisations and journalists would be strengthened further if the media eschewed more scrupulously any actions which would even remotely suggest that, in exercising the right to receive and impart information, they were beholden to special interests and groups for perks and favours, and were thereby allowing their judgement to be swayed.

THE CODE

A. The Editor’s domain

As the editorial custodian of the paper, TV channel or online news platform, the Editor rightly gets all the blame and credit. But several aspects of the editor’s role stand out the most. The hardest to define but nevertheless essential is that the news organisation he/she helms must maintain and promote high standards of good taste. The publication/electronic channel/online platform may also aim at entertaining its readers.

The other aspects of the role of the Editor include:

1. Maintaining the credibility of the publication/electronic channel: Whatever its professed beliefs, stance, or role, the publication/electronic channel/online platform can maintain them only to the extent it sustains its credibility for presenting facts honestly and commenting on them fairly, with sound reasoning, and factual accuracy. Intentional misstatement of facts and biased comments are not the only enemies of credibility. Sensationalism is another because it distorts the perspective and meaning of what is reported. The publication/electronic channel/online platform may gain attention and popularity one day, but practised over a period of time, sensationalism undermines the public’s confidence in the editorial judgement of the publication/ electronic channel/online platform.
2. Accuracy: Respect for accuracy is a better prop of popularity than sensationalism. It also serves better the people’s right to know. That right implies that the people must be given the facts first, unmixed with comment and value judgement. There must be a place for the latter as well, but separately from the narration of facts, preferably in the space/time clearly set aside for comment, but at least separated from the facts in the news item/bulletin even if it has to be within the same space/time.

   Reliable facts should take precedence over conjecture and implied comments in the presentation of news. That only enhances the Editor’s capacity and his/her obligation to resist suppression of facts, along with his peers and organisations like the Editors Guild. One part of this obligation is to resist laws requiring disclosures of sources except where a higher cause intervenes.

3. Fairness and Objectivity: It is also a part of the Editor’s obligation to ensure fairness and objectivity and refrain from letting personal views colour judgment or actions.
4. Constitutional Values: An editor should, at all times, respect the sanctity of the Constitution of India. This extends to Constitutional authorities and institutions.
5. Workspace Management: The editor must keep in mind that he/she is responsible for the well-being of all journalists of the organisation and that his/her larger mandate includes fostering relationships based on mutual respect in the newsrooms they head. The editor must ensure fairness and transparency at all times and must strive – together with the organisation management – to have a robust redressal system in place for addressing complaints, if any.

B. Journalist’s domain

A journalist:

1. 1. 1. At all times upholds and defends the principle of media freedom and the right of freedom of expression and strives to serve and protect the right of the public to be informed.
      2. Conveys information in an honest, accurate, equitable and fair manner.
      3. Acknowledges and accepts errors and inaccuracies promptly and endeavours to correct them.
      4. Obtains material by honest, straightforward and open means.
      5. Refrains from intrusions into private life, distress or grief unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest.
      6. Protects the identity of sources who supply information in confidence and material gathered in the course of her/his work.
      7. Resists threats or any other inducements to influence, distort or suppress information and takes no unfair personal advantage of information gained in the course of her/his duties before the information is public knowledge.
      8. Produces no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
      9. Does not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product or service save for the promotion of her/his own work or of the medium by which she/he is employed.
      10. A journalist shall normally seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a child for a story about her/his welfare.
      11. Avoid plagiarism.
      12. Endeavour to produce work that is uniquely his/her own and is not either plagiarised or entirely produced with the assistance of AI tools.
      13. Shall not take private advantage of information gained in the course of his/her professional duties for personal gain.
      14. Shall take the greatest care while reporting running stories involving sectarian clashes, communal disturbances, ethnic strife, hostage situations, etc, so as not to cause further deterioration of the situation, prejudice public opinion, jeopardise lives or operations, or fan public discontent and anger.
      15. He/she will refrain from any form of insider trading and market manipulation.
      16. Does not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.
      17. Acceptance of any hospitality that may be essential for reporting and for reader’s benefit, is disclosed along with related reporting. Invitations in such instances should go to the editor, who should be free to nominate anyone on the staff of the paper for such duty.
      18. Shall not accept favours for themselves or for any member of their families from persons and institutions whose activities they are reporting or commenting upon.
      19. Should not seek or accept such favours as out-of-turn allotment of accommodation, land/apartments at subsidised rates, or similar privileges.

For visual journalists

In addition to the above, a visual journalist shall: 

1. 1. 20. Avoid manipulated and staged photo opportunities.

1. 1. 21. Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups.

1. 1. 22. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.

1. 1. 23. While editing, maintain the integrity of the photographic images’ content and context.

1. 1. 24. Does not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that is misleading/misrepresentative.

 Reporting on Elections

Given the frequency of elections in the country- at national, state, municipal, and panchayat levels- and the importance of fair and objective reporting of this most integral of all democratic processes, we are including a section on guidelines that news organisations and journalists must adhere to while carrying out their professional journalistic dues in this respect.

A. Maintain a balance in coverage across the political spectrum.

B. Exercise fair play in display/reportage/telecast of election-related news reports.

C. If allegations are made by candidates against another candidate, there should be an effort to seek comments from the other side as well.

D. Provide adequate space to issues of public interest raised by political parties/candidates.

E. Exercise care in reporting divisive issues raised by parties/candidates.

F. Keep aside personal preferences and biases while reporting.

G. Due diligence in relying on social media as a source of news.

H. While reporting on findings of opinion polls, as far as possible, include information on the agency that carried out the poll, size of the survey, survey methodology and questions.

Responsibility of the Editors Guild

The Guild would reinforce the guidelines amongst editors, journalists, and media organisations by actively promoting the above code through the channels and forums available to it, including social media handles and programs.

The Guild will endeavour to create a self-regulatory framework, where members and others can bring their complaints to the Guild.