Dr Asangba Tzudir
Maintaining ethical standards in relation to the working of the journalists in Nagaland is a question worth pondering. However, the primary concern is - what then are the defined ethical standards in context? Every journalist independent or those working in various media house has its own code of ethical conduct in relation to news, knowledge and information dissemination.
While the core ethical codes and principles are there, like the truth, accuracy and objectivity which also forms the pillars of journalists ethics, yet there is lacking in clarity of such ethical concepts, besides societal underpinnings making it complex in the domain of praxis. Within these pillars are the issues related to transparency, verification, obligation towards the media house and towards citizens, authentification, and unbiasness of news in giving a balanced view.
Truth and truth telling can be considered as any journalists’ first obligation, that not only should there be clarity on the understanding of truth but it should not be detached from responsibility, especially where truth telling becomes sensitive, provoking or one that might trigger violence. That fact that truth is multifaceted makes it a very tricky proposition to present the truth.
In the evolution of various forms of social media and news and information dissemination, the public still relies on the newspaper and other media house to present authenticated news and information to the public. As such, greater responsibility rests on them to be loyal to its citizens and also show allegiance. As such, the method of verification, even though time taking, becomes an integral essence which needs to have a standard code.
Another integral aspect of the ethicality of journalism is about independence. That, there needs to be a clear demarcation between management and news team, and where journalists should not be seduced by sources or intimidated by power. Within the spirit of independence, they should serve not as bloodhound but more appropriately as watchdogs especially over those whose have unaccounted power and position.
While it is of utmost importance to keep the ‘news’ significant, interesting, relevant and therefore what can be considered as ‘newsworthy’, it should at the same time create spaces for public criticism and responses which only reflects the sincerity of the media houses towards truthfulness.
Over and above everything, the laid ethical codes of conduct, in consideration of the complexities and situational context, the journalists must be allowed to exercise their moral conscience as an exercise of social responsibility, because embedded within is the faculty of judgment that ‘intuitively informs what is right and wrong, good and bad.
In the evolution of citizens becoming ‘reporters’ themselves especially via Youtube, web portals etc., citizens as disseminators or receptors have to exercise social responsibility because there is always the danger of disseminating unverified news which has the potential of creating violence including epistemic violence. As such a greater social and moral responsibility rests on the journalists.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
