Ethics, Law and Media

 

Ethics and legal considerations in Media

Many viewers of Crime Watch are engrossed by the ability of the host to get at the heart of issues that are aired during program. This sometimes borders on transgression of human rights and deformation of character.

The recent episode regarding the day care ran by a church in Point Fortin if not address can land the host in serious legal trouble, reflect badly on the reputation of Tv6 and hurt the image of the house of God. 

Firstly our code of ethics is a reflection of our selves within society. These should seek a win win result for all and not injure any segment of the population. With this in mind media should seek the truth first before the sensational headline, the gossip and innuendo's that occupies a lot of what is broadcasted.

Regarding the law and legal frame work for media, careful consideration should given to content and the implications the stakeholders may face from litigation. In society today, the trend of having legal redress in dealing with deformation has risen and from all indications this will continue to increase.

The recent attack on the Christian institution has shown itself to be a very good study of what should and should not be broadcast. The father of the child, has a reputation of being some what of a smart man. Individuals from his native community all attest to his modes operands. The church may have not acted openly with what has transpired, this does not imply guilt but be a way of trying to keep the focus where it ought to be the care and recovery of the child involved.

The media portrayal of the institution could land them in hot water. Their aggressive style in dealing with those who allegedly tried to cover up what happened has the making of a very lucrative suit. By focusing on the father of the child who until the incident played no major role in the child’s life could back fire. This should not be allowed at any point, for anyone in our society.

Did Crime Watch and Tv6 approach this piece of news correctly?

Do you believe that media have ethical and legal codes to follow?