Codes

of conduct for Democratic Voice of Burmas correspondents/journalists

(1) The right to speak freely, the right to distribute news freely and the right to publish freely are basic rights in a democracy. Free and independent news media agencies are the foundation of a democratic society. (2) It is the duty of a correspondent to respect the truth and present the truth as it is. (3) News sources must be treated with skepticism. News data must be checked with special care. (4) News and opinion must be presented in a way that can be clearly differentiated and understood by the audience. (5) The criticized person must be allowed to respond with data described in the news. (6) Damaging and wrong broadcasts must be corrected and announced. When correction announcement is made, it must be obvious to the listeners/audience. If necessary, the person wrongly criticized must be given the opportunity to respond. (7) Potentially damaging consequences of mentioning a person by name must be carefully considered. A name must be mentioned only when it is (absolutely) necessary for the public to know. (8) The names of news providers and news sources, which should be kept secret, must be maintained and protected as top secrets. (9) Must try to steer clear of the control of individuals, party organizations and other organizations. (10) Must avoid using language and material tinged with hatred for the differences in race, ethnicity, origin, religion, gender, political view, disability and other social issues. (11) Groundless accusations, misinterpretation with the intention of hurting people, and broadcasting or omitting news by taking bribes are serious violations of the codes of conduct of journalists. (12) Must avoid describing other peoples news as ones own. If other peoples news is used, news source must be mentioned. (13) Must behave and dress suitably in accordance with Burmese culture. First adopted in 2002 and updated in Nov 2008, at the meeting with DVB reporters from Oslo and Thailand in Oslo.