Recommendations for News Media.

 

Independent, free and pluralistic media serve a critical role in informing the public on matters of public interest, fostering civic engagement and promoting accountability of those in power. Direct and indirect threats to media independence, freedom and diversity, and the decline of local and public interest journalism, however, can undermine these vital functions. Where professional standards are not rigorously maintained, news media can erode information integrity. Through ethical reporting and editorial practices and a commitment to transparency, bolstered by quality training and working conditions, journalists offer an indispensable service and can help restore balance in the face of risks to the integrity of the information ecosystem.

Recommendations

 News Media Independent, free and pluralistic media serve a critical role in informing the public on matters of public interest, fostering civic engagement and promoting accountability of those in power. Direct and indirect threats to media independence, freedom and diversity, and the decline of local and public interest journalism, however, can undermine these vital functions. Where professional standards are not rigorously maintained, news media can erode information integrity. Through ethical reporting and editorial practices and a commitment to transparency, bolstered by quality training and working conditions, journalists offer an indispensable service and can help restore balance in the face of risks to the integrity of the information ecosystem.

 a. Cover information integrity. Invest in capacity-building for data-driven and investigative journalism to proactively cover and inform the public about risks to the integrity of the information ecosystem. Employ robust editorial processes and standards, including in the sourcing of information, to help maintain and secure trust among media consumers. Establish fact-checking mechanisms as a reference for the public. 

b. Provide crisis response. Commit to providing cost-free and timely information to the public during emergency and crisis situations when risks to information ecosystem integrity may be heightened.

 c. Maintain professional and ethical standards. Commit and adhere to globally recognized norms and practices of professional and ethical journalism produced in the public interest, emphasizing impartiality and editorial independence, and actively adopt self-regulatory accountability mechanisms. Provide periodic, quality training to advance ethical, accurate and impartial reporting, and to update skills for promoting innovation and adaptability to changes in the communications landscape, including by adopting a “solutions” or “constructive” journalism approach. Disclose funding sources, ownership structure and financial incentives so that individuals can be better informed about the news that they select and consume

  d. Use AI ethically. Establish robust policies for ethical use of AI technologies, including clearly labelling AI-generated or -mediated material when publishing or broadcasting. This includes information in the metadata that identifies such content as AI-generated or -mediated. 

e. Establish transparent, human rights-responsible advertising. Take steps to ensure that advertising does not drive risks to information spaces. Clearly distinguish between news, opinion and sponsored content, and ensure transparency as to the funding of opinion pieces and potential conflicts of interest. Clearly mark all paid and AI-generated or -mediated advertising and advertorial content. Provide transparent reporting on advertising revenue sources and clear, accessible advertising policies and practices. 

f. Respect labour standards. Establish working conditions aligned with international labour and human rights law and prioritize initiatives that help ensure the welfare and safety of journalists, including in digital spaces, and pay specific attention to discrimination, abuse, harassment and threats of violence against women journalists and media workers.