REMEMBER YOUR MEDIA CODE OF PRACTICE; JAWS PRESIDENT
By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
The Journalist Association of Samoa, (JAWS) is reminding members to remember their Media Code of Practice when it comes to reporting political debates.
Bartley was responding to the Savali News for comments on fair, factual and unbiased coverage on all media platforms related to political debates between the Prime Minister and his political arch rivals.
When asked about the publication or broadcasting of nonfactual or unconfirmed reports and claims, the JAWS President’s simple and meaningful reminder to his colleagues industry is to “adhere with the Media Code of Practice.”
“Everything evolves and centers on our bible which is the Media Code of Practice,” continued Bartley.
“JAWS support the freedom of speech but there is a limit and reports should be factual and not discriminatory.”
Bartley said with the general election coming up, it’s crucial that reporters and journalists should use the Code as the “guide and bible.”
“We also have a code for election reporting and we the media should follow the code.”
The JAWS president also said the media has a complaints process outlined in the Code for members of the public to register their complaints and grievances.
