Editors should stick to ethics, professionalism

EDITORS, both in print and electronic media are always reminded to avoid cheap politics, to make sure that editorial independence comes first while handling stories related to the general election slated for October 25, this year.

Apart from observing ethics and ensuring professionalism throughout the election period, editors are also expected to provide adequate mentorship to their subordinates in newsrooms, to make them cover the elections in a professional manner.

We know that elections are trying times for journalists, but what editors should always take into consideration is exercising high level of professionalism and integrity, by drawing a clear line between editorial independence and cheques.

We would like to insist that journalists working as editors are supposed to prudently judge such stories and scrutinise motives behind them accordingly.
Some editors may receive biased stories in favour of certain politicians with personal agenda and interests not stipulated in their parties’ election manifestos, which are contrary to election guidelines governing candidates.

As for candidates and their backgrounds, editors should this year be obliged to expose candidates with questionable accumulation of wealth as well as being in the know of the budgets of political parties.

The reason behind this is that some parties spend public money during the election.

It is imperative for the editors and reporters to be certain before carrying stories on their expenses throughout the session.

Editors should help the public understand the importance of additional knowledge for reporters and editors on electoral matters and related activities which require more than reporting skills.

It can be done and let newsrooms carry active postmortems aimed at making the public understand the manifestos of different political parties, which shall eventually influence them to vote for the right candidates of their choice.

/Daily News.