Since the invasion of press in our land, we had been learning about many issues relating to political, social, cultural and religion within ourselves and the world around us. All these had enlightened and brought us to this position, we are in today. Thanks to the Pioneers’ like Naga voice, Platform, Observer, Journal, Hill express, News review, Nagaland times and the present Press fraternity for carrying ahead the load with much difficulties. However, out of ignorance we had sideline to discuss some basic tenets of journalism which you and me had to cross-check to keep the “fourth estate” on its path, armed with the common elements of journalism.
Well, the principle of journalistic codes of ethics is designed as guides through numerous difficulties. The codes & canons provide journalist a framework like; Accuracy & Standard of factual reporting: principle of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartially, fairness and public accountability, as these apply to the acquisition of newsworthy information & its subsequent dissemination to the public, Slander & Libel consideration, Harm limitation principle: Limitations of harm, this often withhold certain details from reports, Presentation and Self-Regulation: self-monitoring & self-correction.
Hence, keeping in tune with the above elements, the news organizations should maintain the credibility and reputation with professionalism, reliability and public accountability, as it’s three most valuable assets. We know that, public enlightment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a reporter/journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair & comprehensive account of events and issues.
Today, we Nagas have come a long way and as such, the taste, decency and acceptability of news are here to stay –as we had learnt to write and express out our thoughts on issues that concern us. However, the News organizations must not ignore to maintain the standard of journalism, as we had seen in the past that Media Bias-especially on political issues, but also with regard to cultural and other issues. There are some reporter/journalist who obscure or not reporting certain facts or details which is tantamount to “self-censorship” and compromises objectivity and fidelity to the truth, and which does not serve the public interest.
On the other hand, some reporters/journalist had also been accused of indecency in the process of collecting news, namely that they are overly intrusive in the name of journalistic insensitivity. The credibility of press would not have been question, had our news organization formulate and adopt some LoC to recruit reporters/journalist. They should recruit at least a Diploma or Degree in Mass communication related or a qualified degree holder who are well versed with the common elements of journalism.
Perhaps, freedom of press cannot be misuse at one’s like by any reporter/journalist and instead they should strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty, as professional integrity is the corner stone of a journalist credibility.
Well, the principle of journalistic codes of ethics is designed as guides through numerous difficulties. The codes & canons provide journalist a framework like; Accuracy & Standard of factual reporting: principle of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartially, fairness and public accountability, as these apply to the acquisition of newsworthy information & its subsequent dissemination to the public, Slander & Libel consideration, Harm limitation principle: Limitations of harm, this often withhold certain details from reports, Presentation and Self-Regulation: self-monitoring & self-correction.
Hence, keeping in tune with the above elements, the news organizations should maintain the credibility and reputation with professionalism, reliability and public accountability, as it’s three most valuable assets. We know that, public enlightment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a reporter/journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair & comprehensive account of events and issues.
Today, we Nagas have come a long way and as such, the taste, decency and acceptability of news are here to stay –as we had learnt to write and express out our thoughts on issues that concern us. However, the News organizations must not ignore to maintain the standard of journalism, as we had seen in the past that Media Bias-especially on political issues, but also with regard to cultural and other issues. There are some reporter/journalist who obscure or not reporting certain facts or details which is tantamount to “self-censorship” and compromises objectivity and fidelity to the truth, and which does not serve the public interest.
On the other hand, some reporters/journalist had also been accused of indecency in the process of collecting news, namely that they are overly intrusive in the name of journalistic insensitivity. The credibility of press would not have been question, had our news organization formulate and adopt some LoC to recruit reporters/journalist. They should recruit at least a Diploma or Degree in Mass communication related or a qualified degree holder who are well versed with the common elements of journalism.
Perhaps, freedom of press cannot be misuse at one’s like by any reporter/journalist and instead they should strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty, as professional integrity is the corner stone of a journalist credibility.
John Kenny Naga, Upper Chandmari, Kohima Town.
