Code of Ethics for Media (Samaja)

FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY

THE SAMAJAServants of the People Society, Cuttack, Odisha

CODE OF ETHICS

&

ETHICS COMMITTEE

RULES

INTRODUCTION

Truth, honesty and righteousness have always been the guiding principlesof ‘Samaja’ since its inception by one of the greatest freedom fighters,Sh. Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, in 1919. The publication not only promotesnationalistic spirit but also ensures greater participation of people in socialand political affairs of the country.

It was in 1926 that Sh Gopabandhu joined the Servants of the People’sSociety (SoPS) founded by Lala Lajpat Rai to train young minds for serviceof the nation. Before his demise in 1928, Sh. Gopabandhu handed overSamaja to SoPS so that the publication continues to disseminate free, fairand accurate account of the happenings and hence make people moreresponsive to their surroundings.

For the last 84 years, the Society is keeping the flame burning and theweekly publication has now become the most trusted multi-edition Odiadaily.

It has been recognised now that in the changing times, it is necessary toput the ethical values followed by Samaja in black-and-white and sharethe same with others. It should also serve as a consistent reminder to all ofus about our duty to adhere to the highest standards of ethical andprofessional conduct. With these objectives in mind we have codified thepolicies and the values Samaja has always stood for and should continueto follow in future too. While codifying the ethics, guidelines andjournalistic practices advocated and complied across the globe have alsobeen referred to.

We also recognise that no ‘Code of Ethics’ or guideline is likely to be effectiveif the same is not linked to a fair and transparent system for correctivemechanism. To ensure that the guidelines are followed in their true spirit,the same has also been linked to an ‘Ethics Committee.’ The committee issupposed to monitor any aberration and ensure appropriate correctiveaction wherever found necessary.

I am hopeful that this initiative will prove useful to the associates andemployees of the Samaja family and also provide guidance to otherjournalists (and publications) who wish to adhere to truth and honesty andserve the people with utmost dedication.

Hemant GoswamiC.E.O. Samaja

CODE OF ETHICS

GUIDELINESAND

CODE OF ETHICS

FOR SoPS PUBLICATIONS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE :Servants of the People Society (SoPS) and Samaja have been formed with theobjective of serving the nation and upholding the rights of its people. Its core objectiveis to promote nationalistic spirit and ensure greater participation of people in socialand political affairs of the nation.

Empowerment of masses through a fair and comprehensive account of events andissues remains the core belief of Samaja. Truth is its guiding principle. Progress ofthe nation in an all-inclusive manner through sharing of accurate, apolitical andunbiased information remains its focus.

Unlike other publications, Samaja doesn’t have any profit maximizing motive. SoPSand Samaja are not required to shares the profit earned through selling ofadvertisement space with shareholders/ partners as it is a non-profit establishment.The founders believed that advertisements are only a by-product of the publicationand have no more importance than to earn enough resources for its survival. Allsurplus generated is used for public welfare activities.

Listed here are the broad guidelines for the reporting staff to remind all that we havea duty to adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

1.] GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The guiding principles of Samaja and all publications brought out by Samaja are;(a) Service to the people by updating them with the true account of happenings

and encourage free flow of information, knowledge and independent opinion.(b) To represent the masses and be a voice for their rights and against all kinds

of exploitation.(c) To have the courage to stand up and speak the truth even in the face of most

trying circumstances.(d) To promote traditional and cultural values of India.

THE SAMAJA 2012 Page 1 of 12

(e) To follow the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and to carry outthe fundamental duties mentioned in Article 51-A of the Constitution of India.

(f) To motivate, guide and mentor youngsters to work for the service of the nationand inculcate a sense of patriotism and philanthropy in them.

(g) To not have any commercial interest, thereby ensuring that profit earningnever outweighs the motive to give independent, factual information to themasses.

(h) To follow the guidelines issued by the Press Council of India and other codeson professional ethics of journalists from from time to time.

2.] LEANINGS TOWARDS PUBLIC GOOD

While maintaining objectivity and impartiality, Samaja and other SoPS publicationswill focus on public good. When two versions and opinions of the same event/happening exist; or where there are conflicting versions; Samaja (and other SoPSpublications) will focus on:

(a) Pro-public approach.(b) Common people vis-a-vis corporate and other interests.(c) Nature and environment vis-a-vis mechanical development.(d) Sustainable all inclusive growth vis-a-vis rapid economic growth.(e) Human health and well being over anything else.(f) Giving space to credible views of the masses too instead of just relying on

official versions.(g) Fighting substance of abuse, tobacco, alcohol, drugs and other addictions.(h) Virtues of simple life rich in high morals and ethics over materialistic leanings

and luxury.(i) Evidence-based science & traditional scientific learnings (with long-term

established principles benefiting mankind and nature) instead of hypothesis/ideas for future development.

(j) All inclusive development instead of material development of a particularsection of society.

(k) Farmers, tribals, villages and rural India.(l) Protection of national culture values and ethos.(m) Issues concerning India and Indians vis-a-vis any other geographical region

of the world.

3.] BEING AN INDEPENDENT VOICE

We believe in freedom of speech and independent journalism. We believe that freedomof press is in the interest of people and must be defended against assault from allquarters, public or private. We are committed to ensure fair news and fight vigorously

Page 2 of 12 THE SAMAJA 2012

� ELEANINGS TOWARDS PUBLIC GOOD CODE OF ETHICS� BEING AN INDEPENDENT VOICE

for public access to information about public events and policies, government recordsand views of government through dialogue, conferences, open meetings, legal options,etc. We expect our journalists to:

(a) Be free of all obligations to any interest other than the people’s right to know.

(b) Neither accept any favour, in cash or kind, nor pursue any activity that mightcompromise or seem to compromise their integrity.

(c) Deny favourable treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist theirpressure to influence news coverage.

(d) Be vigilant and courageous about holding those in position of poweraccountable.

(e) Distinguish news from advertising or paid contents.

(f) Never deal with sources offering information in exchange of money orpreferential treatment.

(g) Refuse gifts, cash, free travel and special treatment and avoid affiliation/association with organisations which are likely to compromise journalistic integrity.Refuse expenses in connection with news reporting from any third party.

(h) Be vigilant against all who would exploit the press for selfish purposes.

(i) Avoid all kinds of conflicts of interest, and disclose unavoidable conflicts.

4.] ADHERENCE TO TRUTH, OBJECTIVITY AND ACCURACY

We are committed to ensure that the news content is accurate, free of bias, and thatall sides are presented fairly. For this purpose, we will strive to:

(a) Be objective to the core.(b) Bring out fair and accurate stories by using both official and reliable unofficial

sources of information.(c) Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of human experience boldly,

even when it is unpopular to do so.(d) Promote open exchange of views, even those views we find repugnant or not

agreeable to our own.(e) Hold editorials, analytical articles and commentary to the same standards of

accuracy as with respect to facts in news reports.(f) Promptly and prominently correct all significant errors of fact, as well as errors

of omission, giving it adequate prominence.(g) Ensure that everyone responsible for reporting is honest, fair and courageous

in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

(h) Ensure that public-relation (PR) pieces and press releases are not publishedwithout critical assessment and without obtaining version/ views of otherpeople involved.


CODE OF ETHICS � ADHERENCE TO TRUTH, OBJECTIVITY AND ACCURACY

(i) Ensure that there is no distortion of news and views in any manner. Content,images, illustrations and other material should not be manipulated except forvisual enhancement.

(j) Give proper opportunity to subjects of news stories to respond to allegationsof wrongdoing.

(k) Be careful that headlines, news teasers, photos, graphics, comments andquotations, etc do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlightincidents out of context.

(l) Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering informationexcept when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to thepublic. Use of such methods are explained as part of the story

(m) Remain original, avoid plagiarism and never copy stories, articles and materialfrom other sources without due acknowledgement.

(n) Be careful not to impose our own cultural values on others or judge others byour own values and belief.

(o) Push for government obligation to ensure that the public business is conductedin the open and that government records are open to inspection.

(p) Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoidinadvertent errors.

5.] CREDIBLE QUALITY CONTENT

Samaja and all other SoPS publications are committed to be impartial and unbiased.

(a) We draw a clear distinction for the reader between:

i. News reports and opinion

ii. Facts and fictions

iii. Established science and science under development which is yet to proveits utility

iv. News and paid content

(b) We do not try to present articles containing opinion or personal interpretationin a manner which would lead to confusion in the mind of our readers.

(c) We are equidistant from all political and religious organisations and areabsolutely objective while reporting anything related to them. We do not blockor give any preferential treatment to any news related to any religion, caste,creed or relating to any particular organisation. All news-worthy stories arecovered irrespective of the leanings and affiliations of the organisations.

(d) We always strive towards improving the quality of our reports and othercontents.


� CREDIBLE QUALITY CONTENT CODE OF ETHICS

(e) We will not carry any article, report or opinion just on the basis of acquaintanceof any person with our staff or management but would always look fornewsworthiness and utility to the public.

(f) We will always distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. We willmake sure that analysis and commentary are not misrepresented as a fact.

(g) Our staff will not write or edit stories primarily with the objective of winningawards and prizes. Any contest and/or awards that require a reporter to writecertain stories to be eligible for competition is avoided.

(h) The perceived archival value and historical importance of any writing shallguide the preference of one story/ article to others.

6.] SPIRIT OF REFORM AND INQUIRYOur opinion pieces and edits are committed to keeping public interest as its coreobjective. We have a policy where:

(a) Advocacy of reforms and innovation is encouraged.(b) Spirit of inquiry and quest for sustainable growth and development is promoted.(c) Public interest and futuristic approach is preferred.(d) Concern for transparency, accountability and open dialogue in all matters of

public policy and public finances is encouraged.

(e) Nationalism and reforms in polity is promoted.

7.] FAIRNESS, EQUITY AND PRIVACY

We respect the rights of people in the news and observe established standards ofdecency. We will always try to ensure that:

(a) We understand that the responsibility of collection of news is not power tocause discomfort or to become arrogant.

(b) The individual’s right to privacy and dignity is protected. We recognise thatprivate people have a greater right to control information about themselvesthan public officials, public figures and others who seek power, influence orattention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’sprivacy.

(c) We don’t place needless emphasis on personal characteristics, including race,ethnicity, place of origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, family ties, religiousbeliefs, or physical or intellectual disability. We avoid stereotyping by race,gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability,physical appearance or social status.

(d) Unless there is clear and pressing need to maintain confidentiality, sourcesof information should be identified. The public is entitled to know from wherethe information is coming from. When it is necessary to protect theconfidentiality of a source, the reason(s) should be shared with the public.


CODE OF ETHICS � SPIRIT OF REFORM AND INQUIRY� FAIRNESS, EQUITY AND PRIVACY

(e) Persons publicly accused are given the earliest opportunity to respond. Wewill be carefull about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing ofcharges.

(f) We respect a suspect’s right for fair trial while reporting on him and balance itwith the public’s right to be informed.

(g) We are sensitive while dealing with children and inexperienced sources orsubjects. Safeguard the welfare of children and young people who contributeto or feature in our content. Preserve their right to speak out and participate.Content unsuitable for children is avoided to the extent possible. We try toadopt all due caution while reporting on juvenile suspects, victims of sexcrimes or people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

(h) We remain compassionate to those who may be affected adversely by newscoverage.

(i) We are sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of thoseaffected by tragedy or grief.

(j) We exhibit good taste and avoid catering to lurid curiosity and using titillatingpictures or content.

8.] ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE READERS/ PUBLICWe recognise that our journalists are accountable to their readers and the public. Anopen critical assessment by our readers offers a natural check-and-balance system.We will always try to:

(a) Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with people aboutjournalistic conduct.

(b) Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.

(c) Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

(d) Expose unethical practices of journalists and the media.

(e) Accept and honour readers’ opinion differing from our opinion and views.

(f) Abide by the same high standards to which we hold others.

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� ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE READERS/ PUBLIC CODE OF ETHICS

ETHICS COMMITTEEPROCEDURE AND RULES

OBJECTIVE:These rules have been formed by “Servants of the PeopleSociety” for Samaja and its other publications for its internalfunctioning and for ensuring that highest level ofprofessional ethics and standards are maintained at alltimes in reporting of news and publication of articles and/or any other written material. The rules also lay down briefsuggestive procedures to be followed for identifyingaberrations and the necessary remedial actions thereof.

FORMATION OF ETHICS COMMITTEE:

1.] These rules are being formed by the “Servants of the People Society”(hereinafter referred to as the “Society”) for its publishing unit by the nameof “Samaja” and are applicable to all other publications brought out by theSociety, Samaja or any other undertaking of the Society.

2.] These rules shall be called “Samaja Ethics Committee Rules” and shallcome into operation with immediate effect (i.e. March 1, 2012)

3.] The rules shall be applicable to all reporting staff, editorial staff,photographers, associates of Samaja, whether permanent, casual or oncontract, stringer or reporters/ writers/ contributors under any otherarrangement, may it be a written agreement or otherwise.3.1.] The term reporting staff and reporter used in these rules includes

all field reporting staff, bureau staff including supervisory, editorialstaff and all employees, associates, permanent staff, stringers,casual or daily wage staff, any other person on contract orreporting/writing for Samaja under any kind of arrangement.

4.] By these rules, the following bodies necessary for operation of these rulesshall be formed;4.1.] Ethics Committee4.2.] Appellate Authority

COMPOSITION OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE

5.] The Ethics Committee shall consist of 3 members to be selected by theEditor and the General Manager and approved by the CEO of Samaja orthe President of the Society.

6.] The tenure of the members of Ethics Committee shall be two years withupto one further extension of two years, i.e. a maximum tenure upto twosuccessive terms.


6.1.] However a member may be renominated in the Ethics Committeefor more than two successive terms with the written permission ofthe President of the Society.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ETHIC COMMITTEE7.] The Ethics Committee shall have the following functions;

7.1.] To redress grievance of any person, including a reader, when thereis a complaint of incorrect or biased news/ reporting/ features.

7.2.] To look into allegation of corruption and politicisation by reporting staff.7.3.] To look into cases where there is incorrect reporting or any news/ article

is published without obtaining proper information and/or documents.7.4.] To look into case where a reporter has used a PR piece/

propaganda news/ press-notes, etc. without due verification, orpresented such items as his/her own story, etc.

7.5.] To investigate cases where the local reporter has failed to covercertain issues, or wrongfully diluted the news/issue to help anyperson/ corporate or organisation.

7.6.] To investigate cases of abuse of the name of Samaja for illegal/personal gains.

7.7.] To look into incidents where any undue favour has been obtainedby any person by using the name of Samaja or by misusing one’sposition as a reporter.

7.8.] To look into incidents of exerting influence and/or pressure oneditorial staff of Samaja to include, drop and/or modify any newsreport with dishonorable intent.

7.9.] To investigate incidents where news/reports are pushed in Samajafor commercial reasons and/or to benefit a company/ businessetc. or where there are any indications of the said news/reportbeing “paid news.”

7.10.] Any other such like issues which:7.10.a.) amounts to professional misconduct,7.10.b.) is violation of any statutory law,7.10.c.) is violation of the guidelines and code of ethics of SoPS

and Samaja,7.10.d.) lowers the image of the Society or the publication in any way.

DESIRED INGREDIENTS FOR ANY SPECIFIC COMPLAINT8.] The following is desirable, though not a necessary requirement, for looking

into any specific complaint by any person against any employee/reporter/associate/ agent of Samaja;8.1.] Complainant should mention;

8.1.a.) Complete name8.1.b.) Address8.1.c.) Contact details along with telephone, e-mail, etc.


� FUNCTIONS OF THE ETHIC COMMITTEE ETHICS COMMITTEE PROCEDURE AND RULES� DESIRED INGREDIENTS FOR ANY SPECIFIC COMPLAINT

8.2.] Specific incident(s) should be mentioned. The complaint shouldnot be vague.

8.3.] Date and time of the incident or the report complained about shouldbe mentioned.

8.4.] In case of an incidence, evidence and/or witness (if any) may becited.

8.5.] In case there is a dispute regarding any news item (etc.), the claimedcorrect version must be clearly mentioned and documentaryevidences, etc. may be annexed along with the complaint.

8.6.] Wherever possible the complaint should be supported bydocuments, audio-visual records, photographs, etc. to help thecommittee arrive at a conclusive decision.

8.7.] The complainant should be accessible to the committee members,should cooperate and assist the committee.

8.8.] The complainant should also provide any information, documents,etc. found necessary by the committee at any time.

8.9.] Where the complaint is made telephonically, all relevant detailsshould be put in writing by the concerned staff of Samaja and atthe first opportunity the same should be got signed from thecomplainant.

9.] When any complainant wants the committee to take up a specific matter,it is desirable that he gives it in writing that he/she;9.1.] Has full faith in the internal procedure of inquiry by the Ethic

Committee of Samaja.9.2.] Agrees to accept the decision of the committee.9.3.] Shall not approach any other forum or seek any legal redressal in

the said matter.9.4.] Shall maintain utmost confidentiality relating to the inquiry.9.5.] Agrees that the internal procedure/ documents/ findings/ decisions

are privileged and confidential documents of Samaja and can notbe cited in any court of law or otherwise without the writtenpermission of the President of the Society.

PROCEDURE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE10.] The “Ethics Committee” shall adopt its own procedure, but broadly the

following steps and processes may be followed;10.1.] Any person may complaints about an incident

10.1.a.) Suo-motu cognizance may also be taken by the officialsof Samaja

10.1.b.) Communication w.r.t. any false reporting or any act ofmisconduct by any member of the reporting staff mayalso be taken as a complaint even if it is not exactly in theshape of a complaint.


ETHICS COMMITTEE PROCEDURE AND RULES � PROCEDURE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE

10.2.] The matter is thereafter referred to the Ethics Committee.10.3.] The Ethics Committee members make a discreet inquiry.10.4.] If the committee finds that there is sufficient reason to intervene

and investigate further, the committee starts an inquiry.10.5.] The reporter/ person/ staffer/ associate is asked to “Show Cause”

and explain the incident/news/ etc. and is asked for all supportingdocuments, witnesses and other details.

10.6.] The reply is assessed and documents scrutinised.10.7.] Witnesses, complainant and the reporter are also examined, if

found necessary.10.8.] Five copies of the findings are prepared and the findings are

handed over to the Editor, GM, CEO and the Printer and Publisher.10.8.a.) Complete set of all the documents relating to the inquiry

are also separately maintained in the archival records ofthe inquiry committee.

10.9.] Necessary action as recommended by the GM and Editor jointly,with the approval of the CEO is taken by Samaja.

11.] All communications made in electronic form, e-mail, fax, etc, shall be validfor the purpose of these rules.

12.] All documents/ records generated/obtained during the inquiry shall beconfidential privileged documents and cannot be cited in any court of lawor forum by the complainant or any third party in any manner. It is desirablethat all documents/ records should bear the inscription/ mark “ConfidentialPrivileged Documents - Not for legal purpose.”12.1.] The President of the Society may give special permission in writing,

under his signatures, for using any of the material/documents, etc. tobe cited or referred or used in any judicial proceedings or otherwise.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS – POST INQUIRY13.] After the inquiry, the committee may:

13.1.] Dismiss the complaint if found to be false and/or lacking substance.13.2.] Hold the person guilty of misconduct/ unethical conduct and furnish

further details pointing to guilt/ misconduct.14.] In case any misconduct/ unethical conduct is found, the Editor and the

General Manager may recommend any of the following action;14.1.] Immediately order discontinuation of any ongoing practice found

to be unethical or not desirable.14.2.] Termination of employment/ contract/ association/ agency, services

of a stringer/ contributor, etc.14.3.] Suspension of contract/ agreement/ agency or from service

pending inquiry or otherwise14.4.] Demotion or reduction in salary or stoppage of increment for a

specified period


� RECOMMENDED ACTIONS – POST INQUIRY ETHICS COMMITTEE PROCEDURE AND RULES

14.5.] Change in terms of agreement/ contract/ employment, etc.14.6.] Transfer to a different location with warning14.7.] Warning and admonishment to form a part of the personal file

(Which may affect the experience certificate of the personconcerned.)

14.8.] Reporting about the person and the incident to ‘ProfessionalFraternities’ and ‘Statutory Bodies.’

14.9.] Take legal action as per the law14.10.] Any other action as per the “Standing Orders” and as per the “Terms

of Employment” and in the best interest of the organisation.15.] Prior approval of the CEO and the President of the Society shall be

necessary in all cases where the following actions are recommended bythe committee;15.1.] Termination of services of a regular employee15.2.] Legal action in any form15.3.] Informing professional bodies or statutory bodies about the

incident.16.] It is hereby clarified that for taking any action against any employee/ agent/

associate, etc. it is not necessary to always conduct an inquiry underthese rules. Notwithstanding these rules, Samaja and/or the Society maysuspend or terminate the employment/ contract/ agreement with any personin accordance with any decision taken at the management level.

17.] Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, the Editor may decideto issue/ publish any clarification/ rectification at any time if the urgency ofthe situation so requires.

TIME PERIOD OF INQUIRY18.] The Ethics Committee shall complete all investigations within a period of

30 days from the date of receipt of the complaint by it.18.1.] No complaint older than 1 year shall be inquired into by the Ethics

Committee.18.2.] Any person aggrieved by the findings of the Ethics Committee

and/or recommendation of action after the committee submits itsfindings can make an appeal no later than 30 days from date ofdecision of Samaja w.r.t. that matter.

APPELLATE AUTHORITY19.] The “Printer and Publisher” shall be the “Appellate Authority” whose

decision shall be final and binding on all parties involved.

APPEAL PROCEDURE20.] In case anyone is aggrieved by the decision of the Ethics Committee or

the action recommended and/or taken by Samaja, he/she can appeal tothe appellate authority.


ETHICS COMMITTEE PROCEDURE AND RULES � TIME PERIOD OF INQUIRY � APPELLATEAUTHORITY � APPEAL PROCEDURE

20.1.] Appellate authority after going through all the documents and afterlistening to both the sides can modify the recommendation of theEthics Committee.

20.2.] The appellate authority has the power to:20.2.a.) Enhance the punishment/ action if found that the penalty

imposed or action recommended is too light or too less.20.2.b.) Reduce the punishment recommended.20.2.c.) Pardon and waive of punishment recommended

PROVIDED that;20.2.c.i.) The pardon is granted only once during the

total employment/ associate/ contract periodwith Samaja/ Society.

20.2.c.ii.) The request for pardon has to be in writing.20.2.c.iii.) The terms of employment/ contract/

engagement of the concerned person can bealtered while granting pardon.

ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF COMPLAINT21.] The complaint can be sent in writing to;

21.1.] Postal address; “Ethics Committee C/o Samaja, GopabandhuBhawan, Baxi Bazar, Cuttack, Odisha.”

21.2.] Through email at [email protected].

MODIFICATION OF RULES22.] In case any difficulty is found in the operations of these rules within one

year, i.e. uptill March 1, 2013, these rules may be modified by the CEOand the rules shall have effect in such modified form.22.1.] Thereafter, i.e. after March 1, 2013, these rules can only be

modified with the written permission and acceptance by theExecutive Council or the General Body of the Society.

ADOPTION OF RULES23.] These rules shall be adopted after the written approval of the President

of the Society.24.] These rules shall become part of the “Standing Order” of Samaja after

the approval by the Executive Council or the General Body of theSociety.24.1.] Notwithstanding such approval, these rules shall come into

operation w.e.f. March 1, 2012, if approved by the President.

(Note: These rules have been approved by the President Sh. Onkar Chand for adoption on March 4, 2012)


� ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF COMPLAINT ETHICS COMMITTEE PROCEDURE AND RULES� MODIFICATION OF RULES � ADOPTION OF RULES