JOURNALISTS HAVE CODES, TOO

Most journalists seem to enter their chosen field because of a true desire to uncover and report to the public on the truth. As we examine the media today, however, it seems that sensationalism, inaccuracies and superficiality are rampant. There is little doubt about from where the current scepticism of the public about the press arises. Journalists, however, like public relations practitioners , have codes of ethics. A quick examination of what their codes tell them may just lead us to the conclusion that we're not all so different ”that just maybe we are indeed all singing the same song, just in different keys.

A quick visit to EthicNet, ^{[ 2]} an online database of European Codes of Journalism Ethics which provides the codes from 36 countries from Armenia to the United Kingdom, suggests that what various professional associations of journalists believe is acceptable ethical behaviour is strikingly similar from one country to another.

The codes tout honesty and accuracy in all collection and dissemination of information, protection of confidentiality when necessary, fairness, and avoidance of bribes (ie anything for private advantage). What journalists are trying to accomplish in terms of public communication is no different from what we, as PR professionals, strive for. If, in fact, we're not so different after all, perhaps it is simply time that we worked on improving the relationship so that we can all work together for the good of society.

^{[ 2]} EthicNet [accessed 9 October 2003] European Codes of Journalism Ethics. http://www.uta.fi/ethicnet/