Media workshop set to develop code of ethics

Following an online course last summer on media ethics, 25 journalists from various media organizations in Turkey yesterday came together at a workshop with the aim of developing a media code of ethics. "Why do we need a code of ethics to carry out our profession?" asked Sherry Ricchiardi, professor at the University of Indiana's School of Journalism. The participants, all graduates from an ethics course by the Istanbul-based Media Association prepared in collaboration with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), brainstormed issues and considered what the code should include. Citing the Committee of Concerned Journalists, Ricchiardi stated, "The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information so they can function in a free society." Workshop participants agreed that their first obligation is to the truth, their first loyalty is to citizens, their responsibility is to verify information, and as media practitioners they must maintain independence. As journalists gathered to review the necessity of a code of ethics for journalism in Turkey and to then develop these codes for application in their own news organizations, Ricchiardi stressed that truth, accuracy and fairness are at the center of the issue, and a free press is the most powerful institution. Workshop participants came from various news organizations, including the Anatolia news agency, Radikal, Hurriyet, Cizre TV, Marmaris' Manset daily, Zaman, Sabah, Kanal 7, and Turkish Time. The workshop continued with presentations by the ICFJ's Natasha Tynes and media educator Frank Folwell, formerly of USA Today. Through tomorrow participants will discuss problem areas for journalism in Turkey and work in groups to develop guidelines for ethics in their news organizations.