Media told: It’s still about the truth

CEBU, Philippines - “It’s all about the choices we make, distinguishing from right and wrong and it’s all about upholding our responsibility as truth tellers to our public and communities.”

This was the message of Professor Kim Kierans of King’s College in Halifax Canada during the forum yesterday on “The Relevance of Journalism Ethics in a Changing Media Landscape” attended by journalists and mass communication students of Cebu.

 Kierans, who spoke on the topic of the “Principles of Journalism Ethics,” stressed on the importance of maintaining ethical standards in journalism, regardless the platform of media being used.

Kierans said that the “noise” in the Internet can be hard to navigate but just like other media platforms, journalists should exercise their critical thinking and analysis based on evidence, adding that even when in a hurry, facts should always be right.

“Neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy,” she stressed. 

Kierans cited global media ethicist, Stephen Ward, who said that the values of journalism such as accuracy, verification, impartiality, are being challenged by online journalism which may take sides as it includes non-professionals who publish first and correct later.

She added that with fierce competition, the temptation to post, broadcast or re-tweet something now and correct later is stronger than ever.

“But the consequences are increased errors and further erosion of the public’s trust in what we do. If the public has less regard for journalism, we have to accept the blame,” Kierans added.

“The failure of journalists to do due diligence, to check facts before publishing or broadcasting information is embarrassing,” she said as she emphasized on the importance on the journalists’ commitment to accuracy.

Kierans further said that ethical standards in journalism should be embedded in the newsroom culture and in one’s personal behavior, although these days both may seem difficult to uphold given the competitive media with its demands for speed and constant deadlines.

Meanwhile, Eileen Mangubat, publisher of Cebu Daily News who spoke about the “Ethical Challenge in the Local Media,” tackled the absolute rule in the newsroom that there shall be “no acceptance of cash or gift certificates,” especially among reporters from their news sources.

“Absolutely, we do not accept cash. Gift certificate is equivalent to cash. Sorry di pwede,” said Mangubat as she emphasized that the temptation is always be there but those in the newsroom must remember that their job is on the line if they breach the company’s policy.  Mangubat stressed that credibility and integrity is the lifeblood of a journalist.

 Journalist Ed Lingao said that ethics is partly an issue of economics with underpaid journalists and photojournalists.

However, he said it not entirely true in all instances as some of those said to be corrupt are among the better paid.

“Ethics is a judgment call, a set of very personal decisions, that in the end will test your value system,” he said, adding that a journalist must be clear with his or her values.

“Be accountable to your public and to your office. Hold your own office accountable as well,” said Lingao, who spoke on the topic of “Practice of Ethics in Philippine Media.”

 After the forum, a set of officers for the newly-formed Cebu Communication and Journalism Students Federation took their oath of office.

Carlos Figueroa, public affairs attaché of the Embassy of Canada, said in his opening remarks that outside the National Capital Region, Metro Cebu has the highest number of colleges and universities offering mass communication programs.

“We at the Canadian embassy put emphasis on the belief that a free and responsible media plays a key role in creating a culture of human rights that can lead to a healthy democratic society,” Figueroa said.

The forum is part of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration that kicked off last Sunday.

Mass Communication and journalism students from Saint Theresa’s College, University of Visayas, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Philippines, University of San Carlos, Cebu Normal University, Benedicto College, Southwestern University and Cebu Institute of Technology-University attended the said forum.

The forum is sponsored by the Canadian Embassy, USJR and the Cebu Association of Communication Educators.  (FREEMAN)