DOHA: The ground-breaking Al Jazeera Channel, which has often evoked criticism from governments and rulers, is on its way to notch up another first in Arab TV broadcasting by adopting a Code of Ethics which, among other things, will "distinguish between what is news and what is opinion."
The satellite channel announced yesterday that the document, which will be made public in a few days, states unequivocally its professional beliefs and standards. "Foremost is Al Jazeera's intent to adhere to professional core values, distinguish between what is news and what is opinion and analysis, and monitor its output acknowledging unintended mistakes if and when they occur and ensuring they do not recur," the statement said.
Defining Al Jazeera as an "Arab Media service... with global orientation", the code re-emphasises its motto of "The one and the Other Opinion". It further asserts the Channel's position as a "forum for pluralism, seeking the truth while observing the principles of professionalism within an institutional framework."
The code of ethics, as well as the vision and mission statement, were the result of exhaustive meetings held over a period of months by Al Jazeera's Editorial Board and deliberations involving the channel's employees. "The firm conviction has always been that any media organisation has to be responsible towards the environment in which, and with which it interacts, and consequently it is imperative that there should be clear and transparent communication," the statement added.
Waddah Khanfar, channel director, said: "The code is one way of putting our vision and mission statement into action. Al Jazeera has always endeavoured to promote public awareness of issues of concern". Khanfar further pointed out that one of the code's articles stipulates: "Al Jazeera aspires to be a bridge between peoples and cultures to support the right of the individual to acquire knowledge and strengthen the values of tolerance, democracy and respect for liberties and human rights."
The code also stresses that professional considerations are sacrosanct, and thus have priority over political and commercial concerns. Consequently, virtues such as honesty, courage, fairness, balance and independence are but few of Al Jazeera's core professional values.
The announcement of the code of ethics coincides with the launch of Al Jazeera World Forum's first annual conference to be held in Doha on July 12 and 13. The title of the conference, which is expected to host close to 120 Arab and Western journalists, is 'Changing Media Perceptions: Professionalism & Cultural Diversity.'
© The Peninsula 2004
