Monday, April 8, 2019

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR JOURNALISTS

By Lawrence Sunday Ogwang


The Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics enjoins journalists to: Seek truth and Report It. This includes fact-checking, not intentionally distorting information, identifying sources, avoiding stereotypes, and supporting the open exchange of opinions. Hence, minimize harm.

Ø  No journalist shall disseminate information or allegations without establishing its correctness or truth.

Ø  No journalist shall disclose the source of his/her information and shall only divulge them in the event of an overriding consideration of public interest and within the framework of the law of Uganda.

Ø  No journalist shall solicit or accept bribes in an attempt to publish or suppress the publication of a story.

Ø  A journalist shall not plagiarize the professional work of others or expropriate works or results of research by scholars without acknowledging their contribution and naming his/her sources of information.

Ø  Journalist shall obtain his/her information through the skilful application of journalistic principles and shall never bribe or offer inducements to sources.

Ø  No journalist shall deny any person with legitimate claim a right to reply a statement. Correction and rejoinders are to be published in appropriate form without delay and in a way that will be noticed by those who have received the original information.

Ø  A journalist shall at all times strive to separate his/her own opinions from factual news. Where personal opinions are expressed, the public shall be made to know.

Ø  A journalist shall take the necessary steps to correct any damaging report made on any individual or organization.

Ø  A journalist shall not originate or encourage the dissemination of information designed to promote or which may have the effect to promote tribalism, racism, or any other form of discrimination.

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