(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release. MEDIA RELEASE Brussels, February 25, 1999 IFJ Warns Press Code for Bosnia Could Limit Press Freedom The IFJ today criticised the draft press code proposed by the Independent Media Commission of Bosnia-Herzegovina (IMC) stating that it was too proscriptive and failed to provide journalists with an […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release.
MEDIA RELEASE
Brussels, February 25, 1999
IFJ Warns Press Code for Bosnia Could Limit Press Freedom
The IFJ today criticised the draft press code proposed by the
Independent Media Commission of Bosnia-Herzegovina (IMC) stating that it
was too proscriptive and failed to provide journalists with an adequate
basis for resolving ethical problems.
“The draft code is full of ambiguous and vague provisions, which could
easily be used to restrict free journalism,” said Aidan White, IFJ
General Secretary.
“The code tells journalists ânot to offend broad sections of the
publicâ. Some of the best journalism we know does precisely that and
generates public debate which can bring about positive change. One must
wonder why the international community wants to keep Bosnian journalists
from doing the same?”
“The code defines the public interest as restricted to actions that
expose crime, protect public health and prevent the public from being
misled by statements of individuals or organisations. This excludes a
wide range of information which the public is entitled to know. Much of
the corruption in public life is not illegal but it reflects low moral
standards which the public has a right to know about.”
The IMC, an international body established by the Office of the High
Representative had launched the code at a seminar sponsored by the
Council of Europe several months ago. Even though the text lists the IFJ
as a reference the IFJ was never consulted over the proposed text.
“In its current form this is not a press code we can be associated
with,” said Aidan White.
The IFJ and its four journalistsâ organisations in Bosnia and
Herzegovina had adopted their own charter of principles for the conduct
of journalism last October.
“This charter is a good base for establishing self-regulation in Bosnian
media. We hope the IMC and the Council of Europe will use it and will
recognise that codes of conduct work best if they are elaborated by the
media professionals themselves.”
