Journalistic Ethics — Professional Guide
Journalistic Ethics and Media Professionalism Guide
Ethics is the breath of credible journalism. At LihatAku Media, understanding journalistic ethics is the highest priority in our media education curriculum, referring to the national Journalistic Code of Ethics and the standards of professionalism practiced by PT. MEDIA SUARA ACEH.
Our Position
Without ethics, information is just a string of words without meaning that risks misleading the public.
This guide is compiled to provide a moral and legal foundation for every aspiring communicator who wants to contribute to the Indonesian information ecosystem. We refer to the nationally recognized Journalistic Code of Ethics as well as the standards of professionalism practiced by PT. MEDIA SUARA ACEH.
By understanding and applying these principles, you will not only become a competent journalist but also a journalist trusted by the wider community. This material serves as the foundation for all the courses we organize, including independent education and debate and negotiation training.
Standard References
- 01 National Journalistic Code of Ethics as the main reference for the material.
- 02 Professional editorial standards of PT. MEDIA SUARA ACEH.
- 03 Field practices from the media consortium in Aceh.
Principle 01
Principle of Sovereignty of Facts and Truth
The main goal of journalism is to convey the truth based on accurate field facts. Ethics requires a journalist to perform multi-layered verification before information is published to the public. Every number, quote, and event must go through a confirmation process that should not be shortened for the sake of speed.
We teach that personal opinion should not be mixed with news facts so that readers can form their own judgments objectively. The separation between facts and opinions is a basic skill emphasized from the first session in our independent education.
Field Application
- →Minimum verification of two independent sources for every sensitive factual claim.
- →Dissecting the differences between facts, assumptions, and opinions in every manuscript.
- →Written recording of the source chain for editorial audit needs.
Honesty in reporting what actually happened is the first foundation that must be upheld without compromise. There is no excuse of interest, time pressure, or source requests that can shift this commitment.
Principle 02
Independence and Freedom from Intervention
A journalist must be able to maintain professional distance from interested parties so that the news remains objective. Journalistic ethics strictly prohibit the acceptance of bribes, gratuities, or influence in any form that could bias news content.
We equip participants with elegant ways to reject pressure from outside parties, whether from the government, investors, or other interest groups. Independence in determining news value is both a right and an obligation that must be maintained.
In the debate and negotiation courses we organize, participants practice maintaining a professional position under pressure, so that editorial independence is not replaced by comfort or fear.
Principle 03
Respecting Privacy Rights and Human Dignity
The desire to report something must not violate an individual's basic right to privacy, especially in cases involving personal life. We provide guidance on which boundaries may be exposed for the public interest and which must be kept confidential.
Journalistic ethics emphasize the importance of protecting the identities of victims of sexual crimes and underage perpetrators. Respecting human dignity is a form of empathy that journalists must possess when in the field full of conflict or tragedy.
Sensitivity to the local cultural context of Aceh becomes part of the discussion, because the value of privacy can differ between one community and another.
Principle 04
Principle of Balance and Check and Recheck
The world never has only one point of view, therefore good news must be balanced. We emphasize the importance of providing a fair opportunity for all parties involved in an issue to provide explanations or clarifications.
The confirmation process is not just a formality, but a mechanism to ensure that the news does not corner one party unilaterally. Thoroughness in re-checking every quote and number will save you from fatal errors that could lead to legal lawsuits.
This skill is the core of the negotiation courses we organize — the ability to listen to all parties and construct a fair narrative is the same ability used at the negotiating table.
Cross-verification of sources in the workspace
Principle 05
Prohibition of Plagiarism and Respect for Copyright
Taking someone else's work without permission or without citing the source is a serious ethical violation in the world of communication. We teach how to cite sources correctly and ethically, whether they are texts, photos, or videos belonging to other parties.
Respect for the intellectual property rights of fellow journalists is a form of professionalism that reflects personal integrity. We strongly oppose the practice of "copy-pasting" without added value, which only damages a healthy information ecosystem.
Practices Taught
Full attribution for every quote, inclusion of links to original sources, and narrative development with an original perspective.
Principle 06
Social Responsibility and the Impact of Reporting
The news we write today can influence state policy or even someone's safety in the future. Ethics demand that we always consider the long-term impact of every journalistic work we produce.
We invite participants to discuss the social responsibility of the press in maintaining national unity and avoiding hate-filled content. Awareness of this social impact guides you to write more carefully, thoughtfully, and with an orientation toward the common good.
Class Discussion
Case studies of controversial reporting in Indonesia and analysis of their impact on local communities.
Principle 07
Handling Errors and Right of Reply
A transparent correction mechanism is a sign of a media outlet's maturity.
No human is perfect, and journalists can make mistakes in their reports. Journalistic ethics dictate that if an error occurs, the media is obligated to immediately make a transparent and honest correction.
We explain the mechanism of the Right of Reply and the Right of Correction as part of the press's responsibility toward parties who feel aggrieved by a report. Sincerely acknowledging a mistake will actually increase your credibility in the eyes of the public compared to trying to hide it.
Stage A
Identification of factual errors by the editorial team or readers.
Stage B
Re-verification and drafting of a clear correction text.
Stage C
Publication of the correction in the same channel as the original report.
Principle 08
Protection of Anonymous Information Sources
In sensitive cases, journalists often obtain information from sources whose identities must not be revealed for their safety. Journalistic ethics grant journalists the right of refusal to protect the confidentiality of such sources before the law.
We provide training on how to manage information from anonymous sources responsibly and how to conduct cross-verification to ensure the information is not slanderous.
Source protection is a moral commitment that must be maintained at all times, even when legal or political pressure increases.
Meeting with an anonymous source in a secure setting
Principle 09
Professionalism on Social Media
In the digital era, a journalist's personal activity on social media is often considered to represent the institution where they work. We provide guidance on how to maintain professional behavior on digital platforms so as not to damage your reputation and objectivity as a journalist.
Avoiding baseless arguments and not spreading unverified rumors on personal accounts is part of modern ethics. Your integrity in the digital space must be aligned with your integrity at the editorial desk.
Recommended
Sharing verified information, clearly stating personal opinions as opinions, and maintaining a polite tone in discussions.
Avoided
Spreading claims without sources, arguing emotionally with readers, and publishing political positions that could affect the perception of independence.
Principle 10
Commitment to Developing Ethical Standards
The world is constantly changing, and new ethical challenges will always emerge with the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence. LihatAku Media is committed to continuously discussing and formulating ethical standards that are relevant to the times.
We encourage every alumnus to become a pioneer in upholding ethics in their respective workplaces. By firmly holding to ethical standards, we work together to build a future for Indonesian journalism that is healthier, more dignified, and more effective.
— The LihatAku Media independent education curriculum is updated periodically to accommodate current ethical challenges.
Summary of Code of Ethics Implementation
This list serves as a practical guide for participants of the course and alumni of LihatAku Media. Each point is a summary of the journalistic ethical principles that must be upheld in every report.
For the full version and case documentation, visit our course catalog.
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01
Verification before publication
Confirm facts with at least two independent sources.
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02
Reject all forms of bribery
Maintain independence from interested parties.
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03
Protect victims and children
Conceal identities according to ethical provisions.
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04
Provide opportunity for clarification
Interview all parties involved in the issue.
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05
Full source attribution
Avoid plagiarism and respect copyright.
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06
Transparent error correction
Apply the Right of Reply and Right of Correction.
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07
Protect anonymous sources
Maintain the confidentiality of identities providing sensitive information.
Questions Regarding Journalistic Ethics
Question
Does this ethical guide follow national standards?
Yes, our material refers to the Code of Journalistic Ethics that applies nationally in Indonesia, combined with editorial practices carried out by PT. MEDIA SUARA ACEH and media consortium partners in Aceh.
Question
How is ethics taught in the debate and negotiation course?
Ethics serves as a framework in every debate and negotiation simulation. Participants practice presenting fact-based arguments, respecting the interlocutor, and maintaining independence when facing pressure from interested parties.
Question
Does the independent education include ethical case studies?
The LihatAku Media independent education program includes analysis of real reporting cases that have occurred in Indonesia, so that participants can see how ethical principles are applied and violated in practice.
Question
What should be done if a source requests anonymity?
First, ensure that the information can be cross-verified through at least one other source. Record the source's identity internally but do not reveal it in the report. Respect the request for anonymity as a moral and legal commitment.
Start applying journalistic ethics in your practice.
Study the code of ethics through our courses, or contact the advisory board for in-depth discussions on media professionalism standards in Indonesia.
Management
PT. MEDIA SUARA ACEH
Jalan Banda Aceh-Medan, KM 19,5 Gampong Lam Ara Eungkit, Kecamatan Kuta Malaka, Kabupaten Aceh Besar, 23365
+6285260952270
PT. MEDIA ACEH ONLINE
Jl. Syiah Kuala No.149, Lambaro Skep, Kecamatan Kuta Alam, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23123
edaksi@acehonline.co
PT. MEDIA LOKAL ACEH
Komplek Perkantoran Suka Makmue, Kecamatan Suka Makmue, Kabupaten Nagan Raya, Aceh
redaksinarasiterkini@gmail.com
Monday — Friday: 09:00 – 18:00 WIB
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