The Independent Media Commission (IMC) Regional Office has observed with concern that as the formal declaration of campaign for the SLAJ election approaches, some journalists/media practitioners are becoming consumed by election activities, leading to a disregard for the IMC 2022 Print and Electronic Media Regulations.
We wish to draw the attention of media practitioners to particularly regulation 19(1) which states “A media practitioner or institution shall not publish or broadcast stories containing personal attack, smear and unjustified harming of a person’s or institution’s good name and also campaign includes the use of language, pictures, cartoons, commentaries, analysis, stories, editorials…that can damage someone’s reputation”
We therefore urge media practitioners to deviate from unethical practices that undermine the integrity of journalism and violate professional journalistic practices.
Furthermore, the IMC Regional Office employs all journalists to uphold ethical reporting, exercise restraint, and ensure fair and balanced coverage during the SLAJ electioneering period.
