21st November 2014
By Stefanie Chernow

Ethical Journalism Newsletter: November 21st, 2014

Ethical Journalism News

Uber Investigates Its Top New York Executive For Tracking Of A Journalist’s Location

Uber, the private taxi company, is investigating its top New York executive for tracking a BuzzFeed News reporter without her permission in violation of what the transit giant says has long been its privacy policy. Uber took actions in the wake of a BuzzFeed News story that revealed that the reporter’s ride had been tracked without her permission and that another Uber executive had suggested the company might smear journalists who wrote critically of Uber. (via Buzzfeed)

Myanmar Journalists Draft Religion Newswriters Resolution on Covering Religious Freedom and Conflict

As Myanmar journalists, we vow to adhere to our profession’s principles of honesty, fairness, accuracy, transparency, and thoroughness. When reporting and editing on religion, religious freedom and conflict, we resolve to:

  1. Develop our knowledge of different faiths.
  2. Avoid mentioning religious affiliation when it is not relevant to a story.
  3. Carefully consider word choice when referring to followers of different faiths.
  4. Not let our personal beliefs influence the objectivity of our reporting.
  5. Pass stories on to colleagues if our beliefs make it impossible to report fairly.
  6. Not let our faiths limit the religions we cover. Always consider the motivations of our sources.
  7. Be especially diligent in verifying all details when covering sensitive news.
  8. Strive to include moderate voices in our reporting, not just the extremes.
  9. Avoid hate speech or inflammatory words at all times, especially when reporting on religion, race, discrimination or conflict.
  10. Seek out knowledgeable sources capable of providing objective information and analysis.
  11. Encourage religious diversity in our newsrooms.
  12. Practice the qualities of responsible, ethical journalism by minimizing harm and avoiding hearsay and rumor.

(via Religion News Service)

Lapdogs vs. Watchdogs: State Advertising and Media

Governments around the world know that the digital revolution and the financial crisis have hit media revenues hard, so that state advertising can keep many outlets afloat. But, of course, in most cases, they are looking to buy much more than advertising space. They are paying for support. (via The Open Society Foundations)

3 Ways To Push Back And Move Women Leaders Forward In Journalism

We still face cultural indignities and pay inequities. When a woman at the top falls, the accusations of pushiness feel all too familiar. As we continue to grapple with the incredible complexities of gender and leadership, here are three thoughts about ways to push back against barriers and move forward. (via Poynter)

Standing Your Ground in Journalism, Even When Diversity Isn’t Valued

Race in the newsroom will not change overnight. In fact, it may get worse before it gets better. But that knowledge in and of itself allows me to forge on. In the era of Ferguson and immigration reform, I’d rather bear witness to our tense post-post-racial era than sit out the great debates of our time. (via The Huffington Post)

‘Couldn’t Be Reached’ — A Blog For All The Times Officials Refuse To Comment

Lately — whether it’s an investigative, nonprofit newsroom, an international outlet like the New York Times, or newer media like Politico or BuzzFeed — when journalists call, officials are choosing to comment less for stories on the record. The blog ‘Couldn’t Be Reached’ shine a light on just how often this happens. It will focus on the institutions and people in power — both private and public — who refuse to comment on the record on stories in the public interest. (via The Center For Public Integrity)

[Video] ACT Behind the Screens “News Reporting from Ukraine”

Television is an essential and trusted source of national and international news for Europeans. Whenever news breaks, TV correspondents are there on the spot to bring you the story. So how do journalists get the stories to the viewers? TV correspondents from different European broadcasters discuss the operational issues and challenges they have faced when reporting from the conflict in Ukraine. (via The Association of Commercial Television in Europe)

Events

Call For Applications: IWMF Africa Great Lakes Reporting Initiative

The International Women’s Media Foundation is now accepting applications from women journalists to participate in one of two international reporting fellowships, both tentatively scheduled to take place February 13-23, 2015. As part of its African Great Lakes Reporting Initiative, the IWMF will lead delegations of six journalists each to Rwanda and Uganda to cover underreported economic and rural development issues. Deadline to apply is December 20, 2014. More information can be found at this link.

EJN Members Meeting

London, UK

December 4th: EJN supporters are invited to our meeting where we will discuss our programmes for 2015 and the launch of the network as a formal charity registered in the UK. There will also be a discussion on how we follow up the recent international reports on self-regulation and media corruption.