JOURNALIST CODE OF ETHICS

Job of the journalist in modern conditions is very complicated. He not only finds and disseminates information, but also expresses his attitude to it. Along with the achievements and successes he reveals shortcomings criticizes one or another phenomena, as well as actions of officials. All of this requires a huge journalist responsibility and high ethical principles.

These requirements will be reflected in the Code of Professional Ethics of Journalists of Uzbekistan, which is being developed by the staff of the Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Media and Information Agencies of Uzbekistan, Center for Retraining of Journalists, UNESCO’s Office in the country and the media.

Tashkent hosted a roundtable dedicated to the discussion of the draft of this code. It was attended by representatives of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, information agencies and media.

“Many countries have developed codes of professional ethics of journalists, Head of the UNESCO’s Office in Uzbekistan Krista Pikkat said. Each of them has their own characteristics, but the basic principles are almost identical: respect for the truth, the right of fair comment and criticism, preparation of objective materials on the basis of facts, application of fair and honest methods to obtain information, willingness to correct mistakes, respect for confidentiality of information sources. Creation of a code of ethics for journalists of Uzbekistan on the basis of best international practices will have a positive impact on the further development of national journalism.”

The Code consists of nine sections, including the provisions on professional responsibilities, social responsibility, integrity and neutrality of journalists, reliability and truthfulness of information, its sources and their privacy, respect for human rights and freedoms, fair competition, and others.

The Code of Professional Ethics should not only impose obligations and responsibilities on the journalist, but also provide them with freedoms and opportunities, Chairman of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan Sadulla Hakimov said. From this point of view, continued is the work to further improve the project, deep study of the proposals and recommendations of experts of sphere.

During the roundtable discussion, the participants exchanged views on issues of their interest. They made proposals to improve the project. Work on it will be continued.

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