Code of ethics 'clears the clouds for journalists and defines responsibilities'

03 October 2007

Dubai: Editors-in-chief of some of the UAE's top Arabic and English newspapers have for the first time signed a code of ethics, defining their responsibilities and regulating their practices.

In what is being described a significant and much awaited step for journalism in the UAE, editors-in-chief of UAE newspapers signed a code of ethics prepared by the Journalists Association on Monday that deals with the responsibilities of newspapers ranging from the public's right to information, to the press' obligation to present it responsibly.

The move comes after a historic announcement by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which restricted the jailing of journalists for reasons relating to their work.

Mohammad Yousuf, Chairman of the UAE Journalists Association, told Gulf News that the code of ethics was important because it would inform journalists of their rights and responsibilities pertaining to their jobs. "Signing this code now does not mean that local media is lacking in anything, but it clears the clouds for journalists," he said.

Mohammad Yousuf said ways to implement the code of ethics will be looked into in the next stage.

Sami Al Riyami, Editor-in-Chief of the Arabic language Emarat Al Youm, said there was concern at the Journalists Association that the decision by Shaikh Mohammad could be perceived by the public to have been interpreted by UAE journalists as a free hand to publish irresponsibly, and hence felt the need to reassure the public.

"This was a response from us to clarify to the public that as journalists, we have duties and obligations too, and cannot cross the boundaries of journalism," he said.

There have been concerns as to what the decision would mean for journalists. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police chief, warned last week about misinterpreting the instructions of Shaikh Mohammad as granting journalists immunity from the law, saying that journalists were liable for damages inflicted on others "as per the law".

Al Riyami said some of the most significant issues highlighted in the code were the relationship between journalists and their sources as well as that of accepting valuable gifts by journalists "which used to be prevalent among journalists".

Publication law

Habib Al Sayegh, Editor-in-Chief of Sharjah-based daily Al Khaleej, said the code of ethics would complement the publications law. "A publications law by itself is not enough since it defines the relationship between the law and the media. The code of ethics would complement it by defining the relationship between the media and the reader," he said.

Some newspapers, he said, had in the past used their positions in a "non-constructive" manner, which violated journalistic standards, and the code of ethics would regulate newspapers' practices to prevent such behaviour.

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, said the document was not in its final form yet, and it would be a "long process" which would require spreading awareness among journalists, adding that it was up to every journalist "and his conscience" to follow the guidelines.

"I wish that institutes of journalism would teach journalistic ethics in the Arab world too. This is practiced internationally but is unfortunately not found in the region," said Ahmad.

The code, according to Ahmad, also deals with the need to clearly separate advertising from editorial content. "Many companies tend to push newspapers to print positive news about their products and services, which is a problem here," he said.

Dhae'en Shaheen, Editor-in-Chief of Dubai's Al Bayan newspaper, said: "The signing of the code of ethics is a timely and historic step for the local media which makes the signees and their employees more responsible."

Shaheen said the document was drafted by the association's General Assembly, where it was studied thoroughly before being approved.

"What journalists and media outlets have been facing in the past few years has speeded up the signing of the code," he said, referring to a recent increase in lawsuits against journalists. "This is the first step and with time and experience, the code's clauses could be developed further."

Rashid Al Uraimi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad newspaper, said it's a brilliant step "which should have been taken long ago.

"The main consideration herein is the journalists' commitment to the code of ethics which brings more responsibilities, professionalism and morality. The signees will have to abide by its causes otherwise they will be subject to chastisement by their editorial managements."

The UAE media has always been "a prototype and a model" yet the code of ethics also became a necessity, "especially alongside the vast development which our media industry has been facing," said Al Uraimi.

Highlights: True and accurate information
Respect for the right of the public to access true andaccurate information.

The need to correct facts that have been proved wrong.

Respect for privacy of individuals.

Avoid enflaming public sentiment or use media organs for purposes of libel or slander.

Draw a clear line between reported stories and commercial articles.

Respect Islam and the divine religions, and avoid insulting them.

Promote healthy competition between publications.

Regulate the acceptance of gifts by journalists.

By Abbas Al Lawati and Bassam Za'za'