Respect for truth and the public’s right to information are fundamental principles of
journalism. Journalists describe society to itself. They convey information, ideas, and
opinions, a privileged role. They search, disclose, record, question, entertain, suggest
and remember. They inform citizens and animate democracy. They give a practical form
to freedom of expression. Many journalists work in private enterprises, but all have these
public responsibilities. They scrutinize power, but also exercise it, and should be
accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfill their
public responsibilities. Govt of India members engaged in journalism commit themselves to
• Honesty
• Fairness
• Independence
• Respect for the rights of others
- Report and interpret honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness, and disclosure of all
essential facts. Do not suppress relevant available facts, or give distorting emphasis. Do
your utmost to give a fair opportunity for reply. - Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race,
ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious
belief, or physical or intellectual disability. - Aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeks anonymity, do not
agree without first considering the source’s motives and any alternative attributable
source. Where confidences are accepted, respect them in all circumstances. - Do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to
undermine your accuracy, fairness, or independence. - Disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy,
fairness, or independence of your journalism. Do not improperly use a journalistic
position for personal gain. - Do not allow advertising or other commercial considerations to undermine accuracy,
fairness or independence. - Do your utmost to ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for
interviews, pictures, information, or stories. - Use fair, responsible, and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your
employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. Never exploit a
person’s vulnerability or ignorance of media practice. - Present pictures and sound which are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to
mislead should be disclosed. - Do not plagiarise.
- Respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist
the compulsion to intrude. - Do your utmost to achieve fair correction of errors.
Guidance Clause
Basic values often need interpretation and sometimes come into conflict. Ethical
journalism requires conscientious decision-making in context. Only substantial
advancement of the public interest or risk of substantial harm to people allows any
standard to be overridden.
