Equip Filipino Journalists with Values of Ethical Journalism Practice

Thirty Filipino journalists, from television, radio, and online media from and different parts of the country, including Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao explored questions on ethical and professional standards in journalism in a three-day virtual workshop entitled “Ethics for Good Journalism” held on July 24, 31, and August 7 organized by the Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and UNESCO. The series of training was made possible with the support of Netherlands.

As pointed out by Ms Melinda Quintos De Jesus, the Executive Director of CMFR, who opened and moderated the three-day training sessions, ethical and professionalism in journalism is strongly linked to quality of journalism and information shared by the media to the public. In order to adhere with the highest standard of journalism, journalists must keep learning and be well grounded to the values & conduct of the profession.

Participants benefited from various experts and explored different topics surrounding the ethical and professional standards in journalism. Knowing the important aspects of principles and values of good journalism practice, the set-up of newsroom practices & the essential subject knowledge such as reporting on human rights & covering health crisis will help journalists produce higher quality reports while at the same time upholding the important role of journalists in informing the public including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNESCO is the specialized United Nations agency with the mandate to promote freedom of expression which is fundamental to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals especially Goal 16. The Organization is tasked with implementing the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity and has been actively supporting journalists in the coverage of COVID-19 pandemic.