Media Meet to Agree Ground-Breaking Code for Reporting Elections in Pakistan
The
challenge of objectivity, impartiality and balance in media is faced daily by
Pakistan journalists, but there is no test of professionalism greater than that
posed by a political election, states the Pakistan Coalition for Ethical Journalism,
which today launched a historic code of ethics for the media in reporting the
forthcoming elections.
The
code was discussed at a meeting of senior media leaders in Karachi today and
further meetings will be held in Lahore (November 21) and Islamabad (November
22).
The
Pakistan Coalition plans to ask the Election Commission of Pakistan and the
country’s major political parties to note the code and to respect the rights of
journalists and media to report fairly and without any interference during the
upcoming period.
"It is very important that the media realizes
both its rights and its responsibilities," said Kamal Siddiqi, Editor
of Express-Tribune and a member of the Pakistan Coalition for Ethical Journalism
"In Pakistan being a journalist
during election time makes you very vulnerable. You are pressurized from
different sides. This code of conduct or a checklist of do's and don'ts keep
things in perspective and helps us report the truth and report on issues that
matter."
This
view was strongly supported by Aidan White, Director of the Global Ethical
Journalism Network, which has been working closely with the Pakistan Coalition.
"Election
coverage is the biggest test of ethical journalism," he said. "Pakistan media are aiming to set
standards that will ensure upcoming elections are properly reported, free of
corruption and that all voices from all sections of society are heard. It is a
bold initiative which should be supported on all sides."
The Coalition urges media to observe
guidelines, which includes issues such as banning rumour & unsubstantiated
allegations, not inciting hatred or sectarianism, banning inflammatory
language, promoting tolerance and ensuring all parties and candidates are given
fair & equal coverage.
Azhar Abbas, CEO of GEO TV, and also a
leading member of the Coalition added his support, “Ethics are important because the media,
especially the electronic media, is still in its infancy,” he said.
“There
are lots that the industry still needs to learn. We have taken great strides in
many areas, such as fighting for our rights, freedom of speech and democracy.
But now we need to look from the inside.
It’s time to have a clear set of ethics and a code of conduct so that
the media can be judged and held accountable. This is never more important than during an
election.
“For us, it is clear that public interest is the number one priority over
ratings. Elections are after all, about the public. If we lose ratings during
the election then so be it. Public interest must, and will, come first.”
Shafqat Abbasi, Press Council of Pakistan, also
voiced his support for the initiative. “In
regional media there is no concept of ethical journalism. Journalists often become the spokesman of
political parties and candidates,“ he said. “We must strike out the culture of
paid news where local officials can use their power and influence to affect
what is written. In some areas
journalists face threats and harassment if they don’t write the stories that
they are told to. A strong code of conduct will help to protect journalists.
Proper training of journalists is also essential.”
Code of Conduct
for Pakistan Media and Elections
1. The aim of
journalism on all media platforms is to provide coverage that is fair, unbiased
and ethical.
2. This is
particularly important in reporting of political affairs and the news,
commentary and information services provided for citizens and voters at times
of elections.
3.
Media and ethical journalists in Pakistan strive at all times to
a)
avoid discrimination against any political party, political
leader or candidate
b)
provide information that will assist citizens to better
understand the issues, policies and perspectives of all democratic participants
in the election process
c)
ensure all communities are made fully aware of the election
process and how they can freely exercise their right to vote
4.
Media recognise that it is not always possible to cover all
candidates in an election, but they shall strive to ensure that all candidates
representing democratic values and a credible and significant body of opinion
shall be subject to journalistic scrutiny and appropriate media coverage.
In this regard media shall apply principles of fairness in the
allocation of time and space in provision of coverage to political parties and
candidates while recognising that balance and fairness are achieved over a reasonable
period of time.
In line with their responsibility to be inclusive and
independent, media will canvass the voices and opinions of all sections of
society and all democratic groups in their coverage of political affairs and
elections.
In doing so, media shall scrupulously observe the distinction
between advertising and editorial and shall not allow forms of advertising or
unpaid political promotion to be disguised as editorial content. Paid political
broadcasts must always be identified as such.
5. Media shall
encourage journalism of the highest ethical standards in their election
coverage and shall, in particular,
a)
Ban all forms of intolerance and expression that can be
interpreted as incitement to violence or hatred,
b)
Avoid all forms of rumour, speculation and disinformation,
particularly when these concern specific political parties or candidates,
c)
Forbid the publication of unsubstantiated allegations or
personal remarks or opinions that are designed to be offensive and malicious
and verify information regarding individuals or parties which is critical or
negative before it is telecast, broadcast or published,
6. Media respect the
values of tolerance and respect in Pakistan society and are committed to
excluding all forms of intemperate and abusive opinion that has the effect of
promoting public disorder or intolerance.
7.
This pledge to avoid inflammatory expression shall apply to
coverage of political activities at all levels including when it applies to the
reporting of statements or remarks by political leaders or candidates.
8. Media recognise
that the power of elections rests with the people of Pakistan and the voters.
They will exercise caution in the use of opinion polls and agree to work
together to ensure that announcement of results is managed in an equitable and
transparent manner ensuring that all media are able to report accurately the
results as they emerge from the ECP and the election control room.
9. All media shall
ensure that they and their staff are fully prepared for the task of election
coverage and agree to follow the common principles for preparation and
organisation of election coverage.
10.
All media shall provide staff with guidance and advice on safety
and security issues and provide journalists with appropriate support including
insurance.
11.
Candidates
in Pakistan elections shall not act as news anchors, interviewers or presenters
of any type of programme during the election period.
12.
When
a candidate takes part in an item about his or her particular election, then
candidates of each of the major parties shall be offered the opportunity to
take part. However, if they refuse or are unable to participate, the item may
nevertheless go ahead.
13.
Broadcasters
must offer the opportunity to major candidates to take part in discussions
covering a particular electoral area. This also applies to independent
candidates. However, if a candidate refuses or is unable to participate, the
item may nevertheless go ahead.
14.
All
media shall give the audience regular information about appropriate websites or
other information source listing all candidates taking part in the elections.
15.
Pakistan
media agree to establish an election media monitoring group comprised of
respected, non-partisan figures to protect the press from aggression and to
investigate any incidents.
a)
The group will follow the coverage of the election and register
all incidents of threats or intimidation or other improper violation of their
right to report freely. It shall receive and
consider relevant information from media monitoring groups including the Press
Council of Pakistan and PEMRA.
b)
It
shall further be committed to protect the interests of media and should work
under the umbrella of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, the Pakistan
Federal Union of Journalists, the Pakistan Newspaper Society and the Council of
Pakistan Newspaper Editors.
c)
This
group shall deal with all complaints and issues arising from media coverage of
the elections and shall strive to ensure professional respect for the
principles and values set out in this code.
d)
The
group shall ensure that media act together to protect each other from acts of
violence or political intimidation and that fair and transparent systems are
used for the allocation of state and political advertising related to the
elections.
16. Pakistan
media agree to submit this code and its commitments to the election commission
and to all political parties, who are asked to recognise and support the
self-regulating commitment of media, and to respect journalists and their right
to report freely.
