MEAA recommended revised Journalists' Code of Ethics

Journalists describe society to itself. They seek truth. 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.

In consultation with colleagues, they will apply the following standards.

1. Report and interpret honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness and disclosure of all essential facts. Do not suppress relevant available facts, nor give distorting emphasis.
2. Make efforts to give the subject of any damaging report opportunity to comment, preferably in that same report.
3. Urge the fair correction of errors.
4. Use fair and honest means to obtain material. Avoid misrepresentation and use of concealed equipment or surveillance devices.
5. Pictures and sound should be true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead should be disclosed.
6. Plagiarism is stealing. Always attribute fairly. 7. Only quote directly what is actually said or written. Otherwise paraphrase. Meaning and context should be accurately reflected.
7. Disclose any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, pictures or information.
8. Do not allow personal beliefs or commitments to undermine accuracy, fairness and independence. Where relevant, disclose.
9. Do not allow payment gift or other advantage to undermine accuracy fairness and independence. Where relevant , disclose.
10. Do not improperly use a journalistic position for personal gain.
11. Guard against advertising or commercial considerations improperly influencing journalism/. Where it occurs, disclose.
12. Accept the right to privacy of every person. Public figures privacy may be reduced by their public role. Relatives and friends of those in the public eye retain their own right to privacy.
13. At times of grief or trauma always act with sensitivity and discretion. Never harass. Never exploit a person's vulnerability or ignorance of media practice. Interview only with informed consent.
14. Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief or physical or mental disability.
15. Never knowingly endanger the life or safety of a person without informed consent.
16. Exercise particular care for the welfare of children in reports involving them.
17. Respect every person's right to a fair trial.
18. Aim to attribute as precisely as possible all information to its source. When a source seeks anonymity, do not agree without first considering the source's motive and any alternative attributable sources. Keep confidences given in good faith.
19. Educate yourself about ethics and help to enforce this code.

Basic values sometimes clash and ethics requires conscientious decision- making in context. Only substantial considerations of public interest or substantial harm to people allows any standard to be overridden.