As the US prepares for the presidential election in November, voters are trying to grapple with all the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. At times like these, reliable and accurate news is essential so that people can make informed decisions. 

To explain the fundamental code of ethics for responsible Journalism, we joined hands with the veteran British Journalist, Owen Spencer-Thomas.  He believes trustworthy journalism is grounded in ethical rights and duties that writers must embrace in their work. Along with the basic standards of good practice, these make up a “professional code of ethics.”

The race to be the first person to report a major story can lure a journalist into dodging a few professional standards and principles. This can be rife in social and digital media, which can be peppered with misinformation.

Understanding the Severity of the Problem

The Coronavirus outbreak has seen a surge in such stories. They result in misinformation and conspiracy theories about its scale and origin, for instance, the Daily Mail video of a Chinese woman eating bat soup.  Fake stories about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease also abound. False information, including intentional disinformation, has been spread through social media, text messaging, and mass media. For instance:

“Injecting disinfectant will protect you from contracting COVID-19.”

“Holding your breath for ten seconds is a reliable test for the SARS-COV-2”

“Russian President Vladimir Putin released five hundred lions in Moscow to convince the city’s occupants to remain inside during the lockdown.”

Fake news like this has been spreading at rates equal to the pandemic itself. Immense interest for information on the infection, its toll on the economy, healthcare frameworks and lives, has nurtured a breeding ground for hoax news, myths, and conspiracies. Some can be excused as silly and generally innocuous, yet others are highly dangerous if believed.

In the wake of a continuing rise in fake news, the realm of journalism has struggled to maintain its credibility. With COVID-19 being the main focus in the media, the flood of false information on the subject calls for everyone to heed the ever-important rules for credible journalism.

An Insight to the Achievements of British Journalist, Owen Spencer-Thomas

Owen Spencer-Thomas began his journey as a journalist in the 1970s, working for BBC radio producing and presenting hundreds of programmes  He then moved on to become on-screen reporter and presenter for ITV’s About Anglia and other programmes. Owen became a familiar face on-screen, before being promoted to news bulletin editor in 1992.

With years of industry experience, he learned the nitty-gritty of journalism the hard way and pioneered new programme forms, such as the ‘Your Call’ and ‘Sounding Brass’ phone-ins on BBC Radio London.

Always striving for excellence, Owen is recognised as a wellspring of credible journalism. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2008 New Year Honours. He won this award for his voluntary work in the community and support for people with autism. From his front room at home, he and his wife launched a successful £1.5 million appeal to bring the first specialised accommodation and day care for young people with autism in his region. This journalist keeps people and humanity the focus of his work.

Owen has been praised tremendously for his contribution to Media and Journalism by several writers.  His work is often quoted in training manuals, including Stephen Moore, author of the Sociology textbook for A level and Degree students in Sociology and Journalism. Even the Church Times has acclaimed him to be a “well-known name in the world of broadcasting and communications”.

So, what does he have to say about the principles of credible journalism?

The Sources of Journalistic Guidelines & Morals

Ethical standards in journalism depend on fundamental values, such as respecting humanity, honesty, freedom from violence, and solidarity between individuals. Be that as it may, a legal framework does not cover all the standards of best practice. And so, an increasingly comprehensive code of conduct has evolved over many decades.

In Western culture, the essential codes and rules of good journalism appear in a variety of sources drafted by proficient journalism organisations, including trade unions and individual print, broadcast, and online news networks. These incorporate everything from directions on research and standards of writing, to essential rules on simple manners and consideration for others.

European editorial codes tend to focus on avoiding discrimination. They allude to issues, for example, race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or mental incapacities. According to Owen, “A code of ethics gives journalists a basis from which they can monitor, evaluate and correct their professional conduct”.

Six Principles of Credible Journalism

The following six principles “are the fundamental guidelines every journalist should live by if they wish to succeed”.

Truthfulness and Accuracy: Portraying the facts accurately is the cardinal guideline of reporting. An aspiring journalist should always focus on being truthful. Make a substantial effort to assemble all the pertinent facts and ensure they are valid. Never invent or share news that gives an off-base impression of occasions. This also implies using plain language and being accurate. “If people cannot understand, why should they listen to you?” states Owen.

Independence: Journalists, be it broadcast journalists, columnists, or editors, must be autonomous voices. Steer clear from the topics in which you have a conflict of interest. Never create hoax news to act in the interest of political, business, or other corporate bodies.

Fairness: There are always two sides of the same coin. Present both sides. Your writing ought to be impartial and placed in context. Unbiased reporting builds up trust and faith.

Vigilance: Journalists have a unique obligation as watchdogs over public issues. Try to ensure that business is directed in the open, and that records are available to all. “Stay awake. Pay attention. Always be watchful and strive for the truth.” says Owen.

Awareness: Journalists have a duty of care.  They should avoid causing physical or emotional harm to their readers. What you distribute or communicate might be pernicious. So, columnists ought to know the effect their words and pictures may have and always be mindful of this.

Accountability: If you make mistakes, you should address them and express your remorse. Your statement of apology ought to be true, not critical. Tune in to what your readers and listeners are saying and be ready to accept criticism. Be pleased with your work and take pride in it. Be prepared to acknowledge all credit and critique in the same way.

As the internet continues to be flooded with conspiracy theories and disinformation about the Coronavirus, the need for accurate and reliable information becomes even more urgent.  Responsible journalists will gain public trust by being single-minded and sticking rigidly to the rules of trustworthy journalism. Only then will the ordinary citizen be able to have confidence in their work.