Media ethics: ‘More oversight in print than in TV’

ISLAMABAD:

There are more “gatekeepers” in the print media than in broadcast or electronic media, ensuring that content is thoroughly edited and looked over.

This was among the points raised by speakers on Wednesday at an orientation on ethical media in Pakistan, organised by Rozan in collaboration with the National Press Club.

The speakers also stressed on the need to arrange more orientations and workshops on media ethics, while criticising the reduction
of focus on ethical reporting at the same time that
the media gained more freedom.

The state of media had deteriorated from its stature in early times when there was healthy competition between a limited number of media outlets, they said.

Some of the issues identified at the orientation, were challenges over the credibility of sources, stories being published without any clear evidence behind them. There also needs to be a clear division between the owners of a news organisation and the journalists who are actually in charge of preparing the story.

The impact of the internet age was also discussed, with development practitioner Asad Baig saying it will improve journalism by introducing new revenue streams and reducing dependence on traditional advertisers

The speakers also included National Press Club Secretary Tariq Chaudhry and The Express Tribune Executive Editor M Ziauddin.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2014.