The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in calling for broader consultations and the active involvement of journalists’ unions and associations in the formulation of a code of ethics for the profession.
According to the PFUJ, the Pakistan Broadcasters’ Association (PBA) has reportedly sent a draft code of ethics to Pakistan’s Federal Government for vetting and approval. The draft reportedly covers contingencies for when the media reports on incidents of “terrorism”.
“The PBA’s approach is questionable as the IFJ believes that a code of ethics for journalism is best agreed through broad and inclusive consultations within the media community, and the involvement of the public at all stages,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.
“In this regard, we commend the draft code of ethics that the PFUJ evolved in August 2008 at a national media summit held in Lahore and we urge the broader media community and its apex organisations – such as the All Pakistan Newspaper Society, the All Pakistan Newspaper Editors’ Conference and the Council of Pakistan Editors – to join in the consultations that could lead to an agreed code.”
The IFJ endorses the PFUJ finding that a code of ethics evolved by the PBA without taking into confidence all stakeholders cannot be deemed binding on the large community of journalists.
“A viable code of ethics cannot emerge out of a limited dialogue between electronic media owners and the Federal Government,” White said.
“The perceptions of the country’s journalists and the larger public interest need constantly to be kept in mind if anything meaningful is to emerge.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries