Ethics

Bias is a prejudice or favour for or against an individual or group. It is often an inaccurate and unfair judgement. We are all biased. It’s normal, although it is not desirable.

Journalists must ensure that the material they use in coverage has a clear editorial purpose. Where that material is likely to offend, there need to be clear warnings of what is coming up.

The Media Helping Media ethics section is designed to help journalists navigate some of the challenges they might face as they go about their work.

A media organisation will be judged on the accuracy and reliability of its journalism, which must be well-sourced, supported by strong evidence, examined and tested, clear and unambiguous. Verified facts must form the basis of all news, not rumour or speculation.

Journalists face a difficult balancing act. They must respect privacy, but they must also investigate issues that are in the public interest.

For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.

In journalism, public trust is essential for credibility. One of the most significant threats to that trust are the many possible conflicts of interest that might confront journalists.

The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.