In this issue
Journalism ethics: A Global Perspective
Argentina Issues
News of Press Freedom
ICYMI: March 2021 - Freedom of Information Laws Around the World
Journalism Ethics Are A Global Concern
There was a great discussion March 4 among four journalists who are experts in the field of journalism ethics.
Fred Brown Chair of the SPJ Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and former Denver Post editor and columnist moderated a discussion with Kathy English, former Toronto Star public editor/ombudsman and current chair of the Canadian Journalism Foundation, Steven Springer, current editor for standards and best practices at Radio Free Asia, a position he formerly held at Voice of America and Eric Wishart, Standards and Ethics Editor for AFP.
The panelists noted taht a written code of ethics, or standards and practices, is important not only to help guide journalists but to also provide assurances to the reading/viewing public that journalists are not just “winging it.”
“People want certainty,” said English. “That is why we have a statement of principles. That we are providing facts not opinion.”
Among the ethical issues raised was that of diversity not only within the newsroom but also in coverage. “About 75% of experts interviewed are men, and usually the same men” said Wishart. The AFP began developing a database of women who are also experts. Wishart said this list is growing every day.
Springer noted how RFA has journalists from around Asia now working in an American-based news organization. He said he saw a need to codify a policy of standards and practices for RFA because of the cultural differences in how to approach news gathering and reporting that came forth.
Springer said he has held numerous one-on-one conversations with the RFA journalists to discuss and explain the standards and practices policies. These sessions, he said, were vital to ensuring a complete buy-in by the multi-national staff at RFA.
The session opened with a presentation by Wishart on why AFP does not liberally use the terms “terrorist” and “terrorism.” The other panelist agreed with the explanation and added their own views on the importance of word choice to ensure accurate and fair reporting.
The session was recorded and placed on the SPJ-IC YouTube Channel. You can also watch the session below.
Note from the SPJ-IC
Milei Government Shutting Down Telam
Recently elected Argentina President avier Milei announced he was closing the state-run news agency Telam. The news agency has been in operation since 1945 and is only surpassed as a Spanish-language news agency in the world by Spain’s EFE.
Journalism unions and civic groups denounced the move.
The International Community will soon have an interview with an expert from Argentina to discuss the significance of the Milei action. So keep an eye out for it.
Late last year we interviewed Beatriz Garcia Nice, Program Associate at the Wilson Center, about what we might expect from the populist presidient who campaigned with a chainsaw, promising to slash the government budget. You can see the interview below.
Press Freedom News and Updates
Media Freedom Rapid Response: Safeguarding women journalists in the digital age
Reuters: Israeli tank in 'likely scenario' fired machine gun at reporters after deadly shelling, report finds
Voice of America: In India, Women Take Leading Role in Environmental Coverage
Voice of America: US Holds First Day to Commemorate American Hostages
Al Jazeera: Crowds attend Navalny funeral as Kremlin warns against protests
Reporters Without Borders: Women journalists: less than 15% of detentions, more than 50% of long sentences handed in the last year
Committee to Protect Journalists: Court documents allege Cameroon counterintelligence spied on murdered journalist Martinez Zogo
Reuters Institute: Full text of A. G. Sulzberger's 2024 Reuters Memorial Lecture: Journalistic independence in a time of division
Latin America Journalism Review: At least 319 attacks against the press recorded during Salvadoran elections
International Press Institute: Mada Masr editor faces ‘false news’ charges over story on Gaza refugees
ICYMI
From March 2021 - Freedom of Information Around the World
Join [then] SPJ Freedom of Information Committee Chairman Haisten Willis as he talks with Adam Marshall, Senior Staff Attorney for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Helen Darbishire, Executive Director of Access Info Europe, about the freedom of information/right to know laws around the world.