2. Principles in JournalismPrinciples in Journalism
• Journalists across the world are guided by standard
principles
• Sometimes the wording of the principles may differ from
agency to agency
• We will be discussing a few best principles that you as a
UGRAD – Pakistan Journalist should strive to incorporate in
your practice
3. Accuracy & Fact-CheckingAccuracy & Fact-Checking
Making sure your story is accurate – fact-checking is part of
the process. Here are some best practices:
1. When writing a story, do not work from memory
2. Do not make assumptions
3. Remember the difference between fact and opinion
4. Identify your sources
5. Fact-check – use credible sources to verify the details in
your story
4. So, how do you become your own fact-checker?
• During reporting: Take the extra time to double check
the details of your source (e.g. name, background)
• During writing: Consult your documentary sources
(i.e. your notebook, tape recorder)
• After writing: Assemble source materials and go over
every single word in the story & compare it to the
original source.
Accuracy & Fact-CheckingAccuracy & Fact-Checking
5. FairnessFairness
Being fair and objective in your reporting is
critical to earning the respect and trust of all
sides. So how to establish fairness?
•Stick to facts and language that is clear and
neutral
•Do your best to make sure that all sides have
been considered and represented fairly
•Practice “ethical editing”
6. TransparencyTransparency
• Identify sources of information whenever you can
• Independently corroborate facts if you get them from a source
that you cannot name
• Make sure you credit the original source if you borrow material
from another source
• Openly admit when you make a mistake and make sure you
make an effort to correct the error immediately
• Disclose to the audience any biases that could be perceived to
influence or reporting
• Openly tell audience if another organization pays you expenses or
when you make payments for information
7. IndependenceIndependence
• Reporting the truth even when it conflicts with public and
private interests
• Defending public interest by promoting the free flow of
information
• Do not give favored treatment to advertisers and special
interests.
• Pay your own way whenever possible
• Do not report about subjects in which we have financial or
others interests
8. IndependenceIndependence
• Do not show completed reports to sources before they are
published
• Gather information with the intent of producing stories and
images for public consumption – do not share unpublished
information such as notes and audio taps of interviews, e-
mails etc.
• When you are writing as a columnist or commentator, you
are free to express your views as long as the content meets
journalistic standards for fairness and accuracy
9. The UGRAD – Pakistan JournalistThe UGRAD – Pakistan Journalist
Project Code of EthicsProject Code of Ethics
• The UGRAD – Pakistan Journalist Project is sponsored by
the Global UGRAD – Pakistan program, which is not a news
agency
• Key objectives of the program is to train you to effectively
track and communicate the successes of the program
alumni community in Pakistan
• You will not be able to 100% apply some of the principles
we discussed but they are still important if you want to
become a citizen journalist
10. What would be an appropriateWhat would be an appropriate
code of ethics for UGRAD –code of ethics for UGRAD –
Pakistan Journalists?Pakistan Journalists?
Notes de l'éditeur
Source: http://blogs.oreilly.com/digitalmedia/2005/12/10-journalism-tips-for-blogger.html Difference between fact and opinion: make the difference clear to your reader. Don’t sell your opinion as fact Fact-checking: Media outlets use professional fact-checkers and they still make mistakes frequently. Always remember to do your due diligence to create trust between you and the reader
Best practice: Call your source and double check the details
Ethical editing: be careful not to change the meaning of what someone said when you trim an answer or question. Source: http://ethics.npr.org/category/b-fairness/
Sources: You may use unnamed sources when there is a clear and pressing reason to protect anonymity, and there is no other reasonable way to obtain the information. When this happens, explain the need for anonymity. But when you use named sources, identify them as accurately as possible (by affiliation or status). Source: http://www.caj.ca/?p=1776
Do not solicit gifts or favors for personal use and promptly return unsolicited gifts of more than nominal value Do not use positions to obtain business or other advantages not available to general public
Do not solicit gifts or favors for personal use and promptly return unsolicited gifts of more than nominal value Do not use positions to obtain business or other advantages not available to general public Source: http://www.caj.ca/?p=1776
Use this slide to discuss that since they are journalists for the project and not an independent news agency, their principles and ethics will be different. Cover the key points listed here, and then on the next slide facilitate a discussion regarding what they think should be the UGRAD – Pakistan Journalist principles. Direct them to the forum discussion on the portal.
Use this slide to discuss that since they are journalists for the project and not an independent news agency, their principles and ethics will be different. Cover the key points listed here, and then on the next slide facilitate a discussion regarding what they think should be the UGRAD – Pakistan Journalist principles. Direct them to the forum discussion on the portal.
