Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (Journalists should be ethical) that was published in Newsband

Journalists should be ethical

Media persons should observe ethics when it comes to covering of news. Money should not be the only reason for publishing some news. If the news is damaging the reputation of an innocent person then that news should not be published or telecast. Even if that particular news would please the audiences it would be absolutely unethical to make that news public. Another thing is that there are journalists – both from newspaper and electronics media – who resort to blackmailing. If the person concerned does not part with the amount, he faces the danger of his scandalous news getting published. Now this type of behaviour on the part of journalist also goes against the ethics of news reporting. This is a kind of extortion, and the particular newsman can be tried for criminal conspiracy. Extortion can result in serious legal consequences for the newsman.   

In the UK there was a case of newsperson who had resorted to hacking the phone of a prominent politician. This led to the clash between media and politics. Inquiries took place in a big way and there were hot debates on the subject: the culture, practices and ethics of the press. In India, such a big case has not occurred but the fact that there are so many similar small incidents taking place here makes one feel that the day is not far when Indian media can find itself involved in a big scandal like the one in UK.

It is true that media should have freedom but a line should be drawn somewhere beyond which no newsperson should even dare to go. In the name of fundamental right to free speech and expression, the media should not exceed its limits. The media should display sincerity and responsibility.

Incidents like the one in UK should be a wake-up call for media groups and journalists. The media should realize its obligation to the public’s right to accurate, unbiased news. Paid news undermines the media like nothing else. Many businesses in mining, real estate, power, etc own and use media outlets for leverage with the state. This should stop.

But apart from keeping out these egregious practices, journalism must obey a higher call of duty. It can’t afford underthought campaigns because they might be popular, or pander to the lowest denominator. Or ignore its own training to give the people what it thinks they want. It cannot let the ratings run the news. The media’s greatest service is in its scepticism, its refusal to be persuaded by power, money or charm. This is genuinely ethical journalism.