ST. JOHN’S – The Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada has revised its Code of Ethics to take a stronger stand on journalistic integrity.
Its new article on integrity states, “Producers of news broadcasts will not pay subjects or sources that have a vested interest in a story. Commentators or contracted experts are exempted. Broadcast journalists will not accept financial compensation from those who seek to influence news coverage thereby compromising journalistic integrity and independence.”
The RTNDA adopted its revised Code of Ethics at its annual general meeting held in St. John’s.
The Code’s preamble states, “Free speech and an informed public are vital to a democratic society. The members of RTNDA Canada recognize the responsibility of broadcast journalists to promote and to protect the freedom to report independently about matters of public interest and to present a wide range of expressions, opinions and ideas.”
Other articles of the Code deal with news accuracy, respecting the equality of individuals, presenting news authentically, respecting privacy, maintaining editorial independence, avoiding conflict of interest, quickly correcting errors, treating sources with decency, respecting the right to a fair trial, honouring intellectual property by not plagiarizing, removing impediments to news gathering, and attributing sources.
