On Freedom of the Press and Responsibility of the Media...

An established media outfit is bringing out a 'weekly' paper pretty soon aimed at a young urban professional (Yuppie) demographic, and asked me to provide a 'spoof' political and current affairs column for the paper.

As satire is not my preferred style, I did a sample piece (entitled 'A Trinidad Story') and put it out for review as a 'note,' hoping to be guided by the comments.

The initial responses to the note focused on the hilarity of the piece (which made fun of the Government's response to Monday's flood), when Clevon Raphael, an established (read here long serving) columnist with the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper, took it upon himself to insult me and insinuated that I was 'mad' for writing it and should be taken to St. Anns Mental Hospital.

Really Clevon?

This was followed by none other than senior columnist (among other noteworthy things) Raffique Shah, who again attacked me personally for writing it, and who went on to ascribe me questionable motives and a supposed 'anti Government' or pro PNM agenda.

"I don't know what Phillip's agenda is, but he should think carefully before posting such crap on the world wide web. He is no different to the Indian racists who find only fault with the PNM, nothing good. Two wrong do not make a right. Nuff siad.."

Now Clevon Raphael is a mediocre journalist by any stretch of the definition, and this lack of journalistic principle and his (widely known) 'Pro UNC' bias was laid bare here in his remarks for all to see.

Has he never been taught that journalistic ethics requires at least a respect for a different perspective on all issues specifically and for all writers in general?

I would like to remind him that it is not the media's job to bend over and spread their legs for the Government, and his frustration is possibly due to having spent a career in the wrong profession.

Raffique I expected much more from because I believe him to be a man of 'belly' and principles, and could or would (unless I had hard evidence) never accuse him of selling out.

Having nothing but respect for him as a professional, I found myself laboring to understand the ferocity of his attack.

If he was watching the news last night and saw all three Anchors say the same things I said the day before (albeit with a sober tone and a somber expression) he may well have regretted his comments.

As it stands, I have no choice but to question these Men of the Media and their own positions where the Government is concerned.

Are they guilty of suppression of opinion to favor their own prejudices? If that is proven to be the case, should they not be forced to declare such bias so as to inform the reader as to the slant of their comments?

I am not pro or anti anybody, and the positions taken in these writings are not predetermined or biased and I stand on my record.

The Media and its practitioners have a responsibility under the terms of 'The Fourth Estate.'

(Taken from The Fourth Estate) - "The press plays a very important role in most societies, reporting on a wide variety of topics and creating powerful personalities who are relied upon for sources of information and commentary. Writing about the first estate in 1841, Thomas Carlyle pointed out that the press had a powerful role in parliamentary procedure, shaping the will of the people and influencing the outcome of votes among the government, as well. Carlyle also argued that the press was an important part of a democratic society, saying that writing gives people “a tongue which others will listen to.”
Because of the importance of journalism in society, most members of the fourth estate abide by certain professional and personal ethics. Many journalists attempt to cultivate an air of neutrality, focusing on reporting of the issues as they are so that people can judge the facts for themselves, while others focus on offering commentary and analysis from the perspective of a particular position. Journalists are careful as a whole to protect the integrity of the press, protecting sources, verifying information before publication, and using a variety of other techniques to convey a trustworthy appearance to the public, encouraging people to put their faith in the press." - S.E. Smith

I once again call on ALL members of the Media to observe the Media Code of Ethics and to be guided by them.


Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

Preamble - Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
— Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.


Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.