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Handling the Media
Unlike other losses, the grief associated with a homicide is no longer private. When a homicide occurs, it quickly becomes public information; in fact, some families endure the horror of finding out their loved one has died through the media – before the police have even notified them.
In 2006, after concerns arose about the level of integrity in Journalism when reporting on homicides, QHVSG held a Media Evening. This was attended by several media representatives, in addition to members of the Department of Public Prosecutions, and members of Queensland Police. Several realisations that came from that evening included:
- Journalists are bound by a Code of Ethics (detailed below)
- Complaints regarding either journalist’s or media’s behavior can be made to the Australian Press Council www.presscouncil.org.au/pcsite/complaints/process.html
- Journalists are under pressure to air stories, if they cannot speak to the victims’ families, they will often speak to others associated with the case who may not have accurate information. Victims of homicide can overcome this by releasing a statement from the family.
- Once a photo has been released to the media, they have the authority to use this photo to support other stories, meaning that families could sit down to read the weekend paper and find a photo of their loved one printed.
- If families are unhappy with a certain photograph of video extract of their loved one being aired, they have the right to contact that media outlet, and ask to replace that with another of the family’s choice.
- Families have the right to negotiate editorial rights over their story. Some magazines / newspapers offer this, others don’t. It is recommended that families negotiate this beforehand, with a view to approving the final copy before it runs to print, this means there are no surprises when the story is aired.
QHVSG offers the following services for its members with relation to dealing with the media:
- Assistance with writing press statements (usually following the crime, or the trial of the offender)
- Court support volunteers available during court to liaise with the media on your behalf, either to refuse interviews, or to organize a one-off press statement on the day.
- Management of a “Preferred Journalism List”. This includes contact details of those Journalists whom have demonstrated tact and compassion when reporting on sensitive issues.
- Support and guidance on how to deal and work with the media.
AJA CODE OF ETHICS
Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism. Journalists describe society to itself. They convey information, ideas and opinions, a privileged role. They search, disclose, record, question, entertain, suggest and remember. They inform citizens and animate democracy. They give a practical form to freedom of expression. Many journalists work in private enterprise, but all have these public responsibilities. They scrutinise power, but also exercise it, and should be accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfil their public responsibilities. MEAA members engaged in journalism commit themselves to
- Honesty
- Fairness
- Independence
- Respect for the rights of others
- Report and interpret honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness and disclosure of all essential facts. Do not suppress relevant available facts, or give distorting emphasis. Do your utmost to give a fair opportunity for reply.
- Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability.
- Aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeks anonymity, do not agree without first considering the source’s motives and any alternative attributable source. Where confidences are accepted, respect them in all circumstances.
- Do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to undermine your accuracy, fairness or independence.
- Disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy, fairness or independence of your journalism. Do not improperly use a journalistic position for personal gain.
- Do not allow advertising or other commercial considerations to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence.
- Do your utmost to ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, pictures, information or stories.
- Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. Never exploit a person’s vulnerability or ignorance of media practice.
- Present pictures and sound which are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead should be disclosed.
- Do not plagiarise.
- Respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude.
- Do your utmost to achieve fair correction of errors.
Guidance Clause
Basic values often need interpretation and sometimes come into conflict. Ethical journalism requires conscientious decision-making in context. Only substantial advancement of the public interest or risk of substantial harm to people allows any standard to be overridden.
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