We are pleased to announce our latest project, “Code of Ethics to Improve Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Safety of Journalists in South Asia”, which aims to contribute towards strengthening the South Asian media environment in terms of conflict sensitive reporting, journalist safety, and self-regulation. The project will cover Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

WHO

The project is being implemented by the Public Media Alliance (PMA), with support from the UNESCO New Delhi Office & the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).

WHAT

The project’s purpose is to enable media professionals to examine and review their role in the reporting of conflict, particularly ethnic and religious violence, and to devise strategies for covering conflict accurately, impartially, and responsibly while ensuring their own safety. In addition, participants will focus on existing frameworks and codes to increase the awareness within the profession on how the media industry can better utilise and improve existing laws and policies.

This inclusive and collaborative project will include a mapping exercise to assess and review the current codes of ethics in the targeted countries. This will follow on with a regional workshop with media stakeholders to develop a Journalist Code of Ethics on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and the Safety of Journalists.

WHY

Media organisations have a central role to play in reviewing the way in which conflict and violence are reported.

Global attention has focused on conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have also experienced long-running conflict. Media organisations have a central role to play in reviewing the way in which conflict and violence are reported. Meanwhile, acts of violence and intimidation against journalists are increasing, meriting consideration of the various needs of journalists in conflict and non-conflict zones as well as a review of the different legal instruments available to ensure journalist safety. 

OUR GLOBAL SURVEY

As part of the research and development for this project, the PMA is also launching a global online media survey regarding existing issues, such as the relevance of media codes of ethics, mis- and disinformation, and media self-regulation. The results of this survey will be invaluable in assisting us to adapt our strategy and priorities not only for our upcoming project but also to the needs of our members globally.

Please click on the link below to access the survey. We do hope that you can find the time to participate, and we look forward to your valued feedback.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey is now live while the workshop will take place later in 2021, with dates to be announced very soon.

For more information or to register your interest, email info@publicmediaalliance.org

We are thankful to the UNESCO New Delhi Office & the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) for supporting this project

 

 

 

 

Header image: Media interview stock photo. Credit: microgen/iStock