Code of Conduct
1. Accuracy and Fairness
MJA members commit to reporting facts accurately and presenting information fairly. Journalists must verify information before publication and correct errors promptly and transparently.
2. Independence
Members must maintain editorial independence from political, commercial, and personal interests. Journalists should disclose any potential conflicts of interest to their editors and audiences.
3. Humanity
Journalists must treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Special care must be taken when reporting on vulnerable groups, including children, victims of crime, and those experiencing trauma.
4. Accountability
MJA members are accountable to the public they serve. They must be willing to engage in open dialogue about their reporting and accept criticism in a professional manner.
5. Source Protection
Journalists must protect the confidentiality of sources who provide information under a guarantee of anonymity. This obligation may only be overridden in exceptional circumstances.
6. Respect for Privacy
The right to privacy must be respected. Private individuals have stronger privacy rights than public figures. Intrusion into private life is only justified when there is genuine public interest.
7. Professional Integrity
Members must not accept bribes, gifts, or any form of payment that could influence their reporting. Journalists must not misrepresent their identity or engage in deception to obtain information except in exceptional circumstances.
8. Safety
MJA is committed to the safety of all journalists. Members should not take unnecessary risks and should report threats or harassment to the association immediately.