Ahuja in 2008 said journalism is a highly sophisticated and refined profession. He said journalism is that part of social activity which is concerned with dissemination of news and views about society. He also added that the main function of journalism is to bring to light to the people what it’s members feel and think. Journalists therefore must be intelligent,knowledgeable and experienced. A journalist who misuses his power for unworthy purpose will lose trust with the society that is his credibility becomes questionable. Ahuja also recommends that principles which he refers to as canons should be followed by every journalist.
Canons are principles or general rules by which something is judged. These canons to be followed by journalists are responsibility, independence, fair play, freedom of the press, impartiality, sincerity and decency.
It is the duty of a journalist to be sincere to the public. The journalist needs to be truthful and genuine in his dealings and should never fake anything whether his identity, photograph or quote. Report news as it is and never speculate or guess. Be factual.
A journalist has to be independent in his thinking, covering and presentation of information and sharing of that information. Independence helps you produce work that is not bias and can be trusted i.e. coming from you and not inspired by another person’s motive.
A journalist should be neutral and must not favor anyone. Do not take sides. Whatever that is good for the goose is also good for the gander that is to say whatever you do for party A do same for party B. Your news must not be considerate because of any relationships you may have with the public.
Be sensitive to the sensitivity of others. It is not everything you need to show on tv or in newspapers. Be careful of the language you use to transport your news. Do not use foul or vulgar words when writing or reporting your news. Also, nudity and gory or horrible images or scenes must not be displayed to the public as they are not good for public consumption and puts victims in unbearable situations whenever they recall it.
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