The 5 Core Values of Journalism

The EJN Director describes the five values which are the foundation of ethical journalism: 1. accuracy; 2. independence; 3. impartiality; 4. humanity; 5. accountability.

--

Accuracy. Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. We should always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts we have and ensure that they have been checked. When we cannot corroborate information we should say so.

Independence. Journalists must be independent voices; we should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. We should declare to our editors – or the audience – any of our political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal information that might constitute a conflict of interest.

Fairness and Impartiality. Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible, and may not always be desirable (in the face for example of brutality or inhumanity), but impartial reporting builds trust and confidence.

Humanity. Journalists should do no harm. What we publish or broadcast may be hurtful, but we should be aware of the impact of our words and images on the lives of others.

Accountability. A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves accountable. When we commit errors we must correct them and our expressions of regret must be sincere not cynical. We listen to the concerns of our audience. We may not change what readers write or say but we will always provide remedies when we are unfair.

EJN supporters do not believe that we need to add new rules to regulate journalists and their work in addition to the responsibilities outlined above, but we do support the creation of a legal and social framework, that encourages journalists to respect and follow the established values of their craft.

In doing so, journalists and traditional media, will put themselves in a position to be provide leadership about what constitutes ethical freedom of expression. What is good for journalism is also good for others who use the Internet or online media for public communications.

ethicaljournalismnetwork.org
Human Rights   Media   Media Literacy
Rate this video 
Media
Trending Videos
5 Reasons Trump Will Fail (and It’s Already Happening)
11 min - Brendan's substack: https://brendanmiller.substack.com/  
DARK GOTHIC MAGA: How Tech Billionaires Plan to Rule America
30 min - A group of tech billionaires—including Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and their allies—are working to reshape government to serve corporate power. Their goal is not just deregulation or lower taxes, but...
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (2011)
174 min - A series of BBC films about how humans have been colonised by the machines we have built. Although we don't realise it, the way we see everything in the world today is through the eyes of the...
Tearful Trump Voter HORRIFIED After Getting EXACTLY What She Voted For
21 min - A Trump voter named Mayra Aluna is going viral on TikTok after uploading a video where she tearfully explains that she fears for her family’s safety now that Trump is instituting the mass...
Eyes Wide Open (2009)
110 min - Eyes Wide Open writer Eduardo Galeano take us on a journey through today’s Latin America. After 500 years of exploitation and repression, Latin America is at a turning point in its history: a...
What If We Ran The Economy?
25 min - Can you imagine libraries of tools, clothing, and even housing? The library economy can be the bridge to an entirely new world of human flourishing. Let's explore what the library economy is, what...
The Rise of The Ultra-Right in The US (2025)
52 min - How has the ultra-right made it to the heart of American politics? By gradually occupying positions of power in politics, the judiciary and the media and steadily expanding its sphere of...
Trending Articles
Carl Sagan
Climate Change Documentaries
Subscribe for $5/mo to Watch over 50 Patron-Exclusive Films
Subscribe $5/mo View All Patron Films

 

Your support keeps us ad-free and financially independent

Our 10,000+ video & article library is 99% free, ad-free, and entirely community-funded thanks to our patron subscribers!


Want to donate extra? You can subscribe and donate an extra $5/mo or more.