1. THE ROLE OF THE MASS MEDIA IN SOCIETY
- Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are basic elements of democracy. A free independent press, radio and television are the most important guarantee of the democratic development of the society.
Ethical principle:
Freedom of the press
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- The mass media must defend the freedom of speech and freedom of press. They should not submit to any influence, that can limit the free flow of information and the usage of sources or limit the debate on any issue having significance for society.
Ethical principle:
Freedom of press
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- The duty of mass media is to protect human rights.
Ethical principle:
Protection of human rights
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2. INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
- The main task of a journalist is to provide society with true and verified information.
Ethical principle:
Truth
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- The facts should be set forth objectively and clearly, stressing major links and with no misrepresentations.
Ethical principle:
Objectivity
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- A journalist carries a personal responsibility for the information presented and its interpretation.
Ethical principle:
Journalist has personal responsibility for information
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- A journalist should refuse assignments contrary to his/ her convictions.
- A journalist must respect intellectual property and not allow plagiarism.
Ethical principle:
Plagiarism and copyright
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3. EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- As is stated in the Press Law, the editor is responsible for the information presented on radio, on television or in the press. He/ she should guarantee the flow or free and proper information, as well as the free exchange of opinions.
- The newsroom should guard their integrity, so that they stay free to act independently of any persons or groups who would like to exercise influence on them.
Ethical principle:
Resisting pressures in general
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4. RELATIONS WITH SOURCES
- A journalist has no right to reveal a source without its permission, except if it is demanded by a court.
Ethical principle:
Confidentiality
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- In particular, consideration should be shown for people who cannot be expected to know the consequences of the information and statements they give.
Ethical principle:
People unfamiliar with the press
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A journalist should care never to take advantage of the emotions and feelings of other people, of their ignorance or their failing power of judgement.
Ethical principle:
Vulnerable people and sensitive topics
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5. PUBLICATION RULES
- A journalist should be critical in the choice of sources. The information should be checked and statements quoted should be verified.
Ethical principle:
Verification of information
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- In his writings, a journalist must always respect a person's private life, nationality, race and religion.
- In the publication, factual information must be clearly and unmistakably separated from comments.
Ethical principle:
Separation between facts and opinions or analysis
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- There should be clear limits between the advertising and the author's material. The latter should not imitate the advertisements, as such publications create doubts about the objectiveness of the newsroom as well as about the independence of the mass media.
- Special attention should be paid to using pictures out of their original context.Manipulation is inadmissible, as it generates wrong ideas. A photomontage should be marked as such or in the caption of the picture.
Ethical principle:
Use of visuals outside of original context
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- A journalist must pay a special attention when reporting from the law courts. The question of guilt should only be settled when a duly enforceable verdict has been issued.
Ethical principle:
Reporting on Court and legal proceedings
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- If inaccurate information has been printed, an apology for the mistake should be forthcoming as soon as possible and it should be placed so as to be clearly visible.
Ethical principle:
Correction of errors by media
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- Space should be made available as soon as possible for responses from persons or institutions which have been made the objects of attacks.
Ethical principle:
Right of reply
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- The author of material is entitled to see it after it has been processed by the journalist and before it is published; it can be published only with the acceptance of the author.
Ethical principle:
Author is entitled to see article before publication
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6. JOURNALIST AND SOCIETY
- A journalist must respect democratic institutions and moral standards.
Ethical principle:
Defending and promoting democracy
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- A journalist should stand up for human values - peace, democracy, human rights, people's rights to self-determination.
- The journalist of Latvia, while respecting the national values of other nations, should hold in high esteem the history, culture, national symbols, independence and freedom of Latvia.
Ethical principle:
Language
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