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EGI updates Code of Practice for journalists

The statement further added that the, “EC's suggestions were also taken into consideration, and an updated code has been finalised.
12:52 AM Feb 05, 2025 IST | GK NEWS SERVICE
egi updates code of practice for journalists
EGI updates Code of Practice for journalists
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New Delhi, Feb 4: The Editors Guild Of India (EGI) has updated the Code of Practice for Journalists, which is an ethics code for the indusry.

According to a statement issued by the EGI, it said, “The EGI's Code of Practice for Journalists (ethics code), which was initially drafted in 2002, was subsequently revised in 2007. Over the recent years, there have been some calls to consider whether it needs to be revised again, to keep up with the times. Therefore, early last year, we put together an Ethics and Oversight Committee, comprising Raghavan Srinivasan, Bharat Bhushan, and Aakar Patel. The committee had put together a revised code, which, after a few rounds of iterations between OBs and the Committee, was subsequently shared with the Executive Committee.”

The statement further added that the, “EC's suggestions were also taken into consideration, and an updated code has been finalised.”

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“A Code of Practice for journalists was adopted by the General Body of Editors Guild of India at a meeting held in New Delhi on August 30, 2002. It was updated in August 2007. This revised and updated code is being released,” the EGI said.

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Why a Code in the first place?

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The media landscape has undergone dramatic changes since the code was last revised in 2007. The role of the press – in the larger definition of media – as the Fourth Estate faces unprecedented challenges. On the one hand, rising corporatisation and consolidation of media under powerful business interests have posed fresh challenges to editors and newsrooms in maintaining the independence of operations. On the other, the always contentious relationship between the media and the government has faced unprecedented stress. Since it is a widely accepted view amongst the members of the press that any kind of external regulation can be misused to impinge upon press freedom, a code of practice that touches upon all aspects of the professional and ethical conduct of journalists therefore becomes important as a reference point for editors, journalists, and news organisations.

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Why is an independent media important in a democracy?

The UN’s Windhoek Declaration, the anniversary of which is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day on May 3 annually, puts it succinctly: “Consistent with article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development.”

The declaration goes on to clarify: “By an independent press, we mean a press independent from governmental, political or economic control or from control of materials and infrastructure essential for the production and dissemination of newspapers, magazines and periodicals.”

Role of the Editor:

Maintaining the credibility of the publication/electronic channel

Whatever its professed beliefs, stance, or role, the publication/electronic channel/online platform can maintain them only to the extent it sustains its credibility for presenting facts honestly and commenting on them fairly, with sound reasoning, and factual accuracy. Intentional misstatement of facts and biased comments are not the only enemies of credibility. Sensationalism is another because it distorts the perspective and meaning of what is reported. The publication/electronic channel/online platform may gain attention and popularity one day, but practised over a period of time, sensationalism undermines the public’s confidence in the editorial judgement of the publication/ electronic channel/online platform.

Accuracy

Respect for accuracy is a better prop of popularity than sensationalism. It also serves better the people’s right to know. That right implies that the people must be given the facts first, unmixed with comment and value judgement. There must be a place for the latter as well, but separately from the narration of facts, preferably in the space/time clearly set aside for comment, but at least separated from the facts in the news item/bulletin even if it has to be within the same space/time.

Reliable facts should take precedence over conjecture and implied comments in the presentation of news.

Fairness and Objectivity

It is also a part of the Editor’s obligation to ensure fairness and objectivity and refrain from letting personal views colour judgment or actions.

Constitutional Values

An editor should, at all times, respect the sanctity of the Constitution of India. This extends to Constitutional authorities and institutions.

Workspace Management

The editor must keep in mind that he/she is responsible for the well-being of all journalists of the organisation and that his/her larger mandate includes fostering relationships based on mutual respect in the newsrooms they head. The editor must ensure fairness and transparency at all times and must strive - together with the organisation management- to have a robust redressal system in place for addressing complaints, if any.