Maldives Media Code of Ethics

Introduction

This is a basic standard framed under the Maldives Media Council Law, by the Media Council, for the Maldivian media to follow.

 

Beginning

 

The norms that all persons working in the Maldivian media must always follow are:

• Respecting the Islamic Religion and laws of the Maldives
• National safety and security
• Respecting human rights and maintaining social etiquette
• Being free of influences
• Revealing the truth fairly
• Being responsible
• Maintaining journalistic professionalism.

1. The media will not publish anything contravening the principles of the Islamic Religion, Maldivian law or the Constitution.
2. All possible attempts will be made to ensure that all information published  in media resources is true and valid.
3. Freedom of the media will be protected and maintained at all times, avoiding influences in gathering information, presenting opinions and expressing criticism
4. Truth will not be distorted in publishing news and information 
5. If inaccurate information has been published, it will be corrected as soon as possible after discovering the error
6. Information and photos or videos will be gathered only after identifying the reporter as well as the media resource to which he/she belongs
7. When publishing photos, pictures or videos and similar material belonging to others, the report or news will reveal their owner
8. In publishing news and information media persons will give importance to revealing their sources. However, if the sources wish to remain anonymous, media persons will keep them confidential
9. Nude scenes, sexually explicit narratives and stories encouraging sexual acts and descriptions of such acts will be avoided
10. Obscene language incongruent with social norms will be avoided in publishing news and information
11. Attempts will be made to present news, information and programs aimed to maintain the health of the society
12. In publishing photos and scenes that depict inhuman and cruel acts, consideration will be given to their relevance to social interest
13. In reporting news and information in the media about people, no association will be made with their lineage, religion, sex, physical disability or mental incapacity
14. No encouragement will be made to willfully provide news and information that could lead to loss of national independence and autonomy
15. In publishing news and information consideration will be given to other’s right to protect their private life
16. In case of tragic and helpless situations, information will be provided and published in a way that does not diminish people’s human dignity
17. News and information will be published without considering the gender of the person to whom they relate
18. In publishing news and information about children, their dignity and rights will be protected. No information that will reveal the identity of children who are the victims of physical, mental or sexual abuse or children who perpetrate such acts on others will be published in the media
19. In publishing information about victims of sexual abuse, identification details will be published only with their consent
20. News and information will not be published in a manner that would compromise the rights of unconnected persons
21. In publishing information about suicide, terrorism, physical violence and armed crimes, attempts will be made to avoid portraying them in a manner that would encourage such acts
22. In publishing information and news, information that the public needs to know will not be kept secret
23. In gathering news and information, conversations with persons will only be recorded with their knowledge and consent. Interviews will only be recorded without the knowledge of interviewees if the information obtained from them is of vital interest to the society and when the information cannot be obtained without keeping it secret.
24. Special privileges, rights and opportunities given to media organizations and media persons will not be abused.
25. Meanings: “Publishing in the Media” means drawing, showing, broadcasting or writing on television, radio, interactive CD, website, newspaper, or magazine.
    
    “media” means television, radio, interactive CD, website, newspapers, weekly newspapers, magazines, trade publications or other means of disseminating information, news, opinions, and advertisements, irrespective of whether such means are free or sold for a price or whether they are registered in the Maldives or not .
    In case of difference of opinion regarding a word in the “Norms and code of conduct of Maldivian Media” reference will be made to how the word is interpreted in the Maldives Media Council Law, or the Maldives Media Council regulations.
    The word “information” includes audio and video recordings, photographs, graphics and pictures.
26. It is the responsibility of every media institution to develop a code of conduct it will follow, without contravening this code of conduct.