Senior journalists map out code of ethics for the media

They will also ask political parties to let the reporters do their work freely.

KARACHI: Since free media is the hallmark of democracy, there is no greater challenge for it than reporting during the elections. The Pakistan Coalition for Ethical Journalism realises this and has launched a historic code of ethics for the media to follow while reporting the forthcoming elections.

Senior members of the media met on Monday and discussed the issue. They will also meet in Lahore on November 21 and in Islamabad a day later. The Coalition plans to ask the Election Commission of Pakistan and the country’s major political parties to respect the rights of journalists and to allow them to report fairly, without any interference.

Aidan White, the director of Global Ethical Journalism Network, an organisation that has been working closely with the Coalition, said that election coverage is the biggest test of ethical journalism.

“The media in Pakistan is aiming to set standards that will ensure that upcoming elections are reported properly, free of corruption and that all voices from all sections of society are heard. It is a bold initiative, which should be supported on all sides.”

The coalition has urged the media to observe guidelines, including curbing the rumour mill, not inciting hatred or sectarianism, banning inflammatory language, promoting tolerance and ensuring all parties and candidates are given fair and equal coverage.



GEO TV’s managing director Azhar Abbas said, “Ethics are important because the media - especially the electronic media - is still in its infancy.”

He added that there are many things that Pakistani journalists have yet to learn. “It’s time to have a clear set of ethics and a code of conduct so that the media can be judged and held accountable. This is most important than during an election.”

Shafqat Abbasi, from the Press Council of Pakistan, also emphasised the need for a proper code.  “In the region’s media, there is no concept of ethical journalism.

Journalists often become the spokesman of political parties and candidates,” he said. “We must strike out the culture of paid news where local officials can use their power to influence what is [reported].

In some areas journalists face threats and harassment if they don’t write the stories that they are told to.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2012.