Journalists should embrace the journalistic code of ethics as a guide for ethical behaviour in the newsroom. The terms ‘journalist’ and ‘news reporter’ are used interchangeably, but notable differences in the scope of their work distinguish them from one another. Both focus on collecting and disseminating information, but while journalists often cover a range of stories across various media formats, news reporters focus on news. Both are essential to the functioning of a well-informed society, and the key is ethical reporting, which is crucial for maintaining the public’s trust in the media.
Unfounded allegations mean no evidence or proper basis to support the allegation. News outlets should be careful about how they report alleged crimes, mainly if no charges have been laid yet against the accused. Crime reporting can be a legal minefield for news reporters, and a news outlet can be sued for defamation. In most cases, claiming a crime was committed is impossible until a court has passed a guilty judgment. The potential harm caused by unfounded allegations is a serious concern and should be a caution for all journalists.
Omitting the word ‘alleged’ from a news story can create issues for reporters, but it is also unfair and unethical. The presumption of innocence is a legal right of the accused, and an international human right stated in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 11. In South Africa, it is also a guaranteed constitutional right. This principle, in layman’s terms, means that the accused remains innocent until proven guilty by authorities who properly investigated them through fair processes. The accusers have the burden of providing proof and must present compelling evidence of guilt. Understanding and upholding this principle is crucial in ethical journalism.
If wrongly accused, an accused can be severely impacted regarding personal liberty, social life, finances, and general well-being. Large media outlets are assumed to be aware of their legal responsibilities, and their reporting should reflect this.
THE CASE OF KWASIZABANTU MISSION – NEWS24 REPORTAGE
The News24/KwaSizabantu reportage makes for an excellent case study for exposing the perils of disinformation. The onslaughts on the KwaSizabantu Mission by mainstream media started in 2019. The Mission was trialled by the press without any evidence of wrongdoing and was found guilty until proven innocent! Almost three years after mainstream media launched its attack on the Mission, it was clear that nothing the media reported about them should be taken at face value. Sadly, the public also found the Mission guilty, even though no evidence for any allegations was provided, and no charges were laid. Most importantly, some ‘victims of alleged abuse’ came forward to categorically state that the stories the media published about them were false.
FOR THE FULL ARTICLES, READ DEVOTED FROM ISSUE 38, ONWARDS
