Just came across some standard of ethics for journalists and newspapers as followed and published by Washington Post. There were some interesting claims. I would quote some here,
I was wondering if any of the newspapers in Pakistan follows any of these principles or even has such document. Almost all the news channels and newspapers published in this part of the world thrive on sensationalism. True journalism is extinct. News pieces seem more like statements made by opinionated gentlemen sitting on the desk of a publishing group and trying to paint the world with his own special brush. The news is more made than reported. petty journalism is on the rise. Reports are made in favour of those who possess power or money to shape the story according to their own wishes. State media is no exception to this rule rather it would not be falsifying the claim if I said that they are more often than not the leaders
We accept no gifts from news sources. We accept no free trips. We neither seek nor accept preferential treatment that might be rendered because of the positions we hold. Exceptions to the no-gift rule are few and obvious invitations to meals, for example. Free admissions to any event that is not free to the public are prohibited. The only exception is for seats not sold to the public, as in a press box. Whenever possible, arrangements will be made to pay for such seats.
Although it has become increasingly difficult for this newspaper and for the press generally to do so since Watergate, reporters should make every effort to remain in the audience, to stay off the stage, to report the news, not to make the news. In gathering news, reporters will not misrepresent their identity. They will not identify themselves as police officers, physicians or anything other than journalists.
No story is fair if reporters hide their biases or emotions behind such subtly pejorative words as refused, despite, quietly, admit and massive. Fairness requires straightforwardness ahead of flashiness.
After Eugene Meyer bought The Washington Post in 1933 and began the family ownership that continues today, he published These Principles:
The first mission of a newspaper is to tell the truth as nearly as the truth may be ascertained.
1) The newspaper shall tell ALL the truth so far as it can learn it, concerning the important affairs of America and the world.
2) As a disseminator of the news, the paper shall observe the decencies that are obligatory upon a private gentleman.
3) What it prints shall be fit reading for the young as well as for the old.
4) The newspapers duty is to its readers and to the public at large, and not to the private interests of the owner.
5) In the pursuit of truth, the newspaper shall be prepared to make sacrifices of its material fortunes, if such course be necessary for the public good. The newspaper shall not be the ally of any special interest, but shall be fair and free and wholesome in its outlook on public affairs and public men.
These Principles are re-endorsed herewith.
I was wondering if any of the newspapers in Pakistan follows any of these principles or even has such document. Almost all the news channels and newspapers published in this part of the world thrive on sensationalism. True journalism is extinct. News pieces seem more like statements made by opinionated gentlemen sitting on the desk of a publishing group and trying to paint the world with his own special brush. The news is more made than reported. petty journalism is on the rise. Reports are made in favour of those who possess power or money to shape the story according to their own wishes. State media is no exception to this rule rather it would not be falsifying the claim if I said that they are more often than not the leaders
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