Training: Establishing a Solid Professional Foundation and Upholding Media Ethics Session 3

Trainer: Jenifer Fenton

Journalist, Media Adviser

Summary & Highlights:

Jennifer Fenton, a Media Adviser based in Switzerland, highlighted several key aspects essential for aspiring journalists in the Session 3 of the Media and Journalism Webinars on “Establishing a Solid Professional Foundation and Upholding Media Ethics”. She emphasized the critical importance of staying informed through diverse news sources to ensure accuracy and excellence in reporting. Ms. Fenton encouraged participants to develop a wide range of journalistic skills tailored to their interests, whether in writing, broadcasting, or production. Networking and building relationships with industry professionals were underscored as crucial for career advancement.

Moreover, mentorship and internships were recommended as valuable opportunities for skill growth and career exploration within journalism. Jenifer Fenton stressed the ongoing improvement of communication skills, including both writing and speaking, which are essential for clear and compelling storytelling. The overarching goal of the session was to prepare aspiring journalists to navigate the complexities of media and reporting responsibly. This includes addressing ethical considerations in human rights reporting and handling conflict coverage sensitively and accurately. The importance of transparency in combating misinformation in news reporting was also a focal point.

Specific ethical guidelines discussed included:

1. Mitigating Bias and Sensationalism: Journalists were advised to aim for impartiality, balance, and objective reporting, presenting multiple perspectives and avoiding advocacy unless explicitly stated.

2. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural, social, and political contexts were emphasized. Journalists were urged to use appropriate and respectful language, avoiding derogatory terms.

3. Accountability and Transparency: The session stressed promptly correcting mistakes and being transparent about errors made, including airing corrections and explaining why errors occurred.

4. Avoiding Sensationalism and Exploitation: Journalists were cautioned against exploiting human suffering for sensationalist purposes and were encouraged to provide context to human rights violations, exploring underlying causes and potential solutions.

5. Ethical Use of Imagery: Respecting the dignity of those affected and avoiding the use of graphic or distressing images unless absolutely necessary was highlighted. When such images are used, proper contextualization was emphasized.

6. Legal Awareness: Understanding relevant laws in the country of reporting, including defamation, privacy, national security, and election laws, was deemed essential. Journalists were advised to comply with these laws to avoid legal repercussions.

7. Collaboration and Expert Consultation: Collaborating with human rights organizations, NGOs, and experts was recommended to gain deeper insights and ensure accurate reporting, especially in complex situations like conflict zones.

The session also touched upon the challenges journalists face, such as low trust in the press, censorship, and risks associated with reporting in authoritarian regimes or conflict zones. The speaker highlighted the importance of balancing reporting with personal safety and ethical considerations.

In addition to these ethical considerations, practical advice was provided on establishing a strong foundation in journalism. This included developing a strong work ethic, punctuality, meeting deadlines, and striving for accuracy in every piece of work. Staying informed through regular reading from various news sources and following prominent journalists and media outlets were also recommended practices.

Skills in journalism, depending on individual interests (writing, on-air presence, producing), were highlighted, with additional skills such as photography, web design, or website building encouraged. Networking was stressed as crucial, with participants urged to connect with 2-3 new people daily, including journalists and industry professionals. Attending journalism conferences and joining professional networks were recommended avenues for career growth.

Mentorships and internships were touted as invaluable for skill development and career exploration, offering practical experience and insights into different facets of journalism. Continuous improvement of communication skills, including writing and speaking, was emphasized, with daily practice encouraged to enhance clarity and effectiveness in communication.

Setting goals, both short-term and long-term, in journalism was advised, with regular evaluation and adjustment based on experience and career development. Flexibility and problem-solving skills were also deemed essential in journalism, given the dynamic nature of the field. Ethical dilemmas in journalism, such as undercover reporting or using unidentified sources, were discussed, emphasizing the balance between the public interest and potential harm when making ethical decisions. Financial considerations, including understanding the financial aspects of different types of journalism and negotiating fair pay, were also touched upon.

Ms. Fenton concluded by encouraging participants to uphold journalistic ethics in their reporting, maintaining professionalism both online and in-person. It underscored the importance of media literacy among audiences to discern credible information sources and understand biases in reporting. The training provided comprehensive insights and practical guidance for aspiring journalists, preparing them to navigate the challenges of media and reporting responsibly while upholding ethical standards.

Resources:

• Session notes of Jenifer Fenton – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D637VFBh1bWQmgqGPmJXes6nwgaNBWFz/view?usp=sharing 
• AFP Digital Courses Platform: https://digitalcourses.afp.com/collections/advanced