Ethical Journalism Initiative Launched.

Summary: DUBAI - The UAE Journalists Association, in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on Monday, launched the Ethical Journalism Initiative (EJI).

This was announced at the end of a two-day Dubai Conference for launching the initiative, which was attended by media professionals from over 20 countries.

Adopted by the World Congress of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Moscow in 2007 and formally launched in 2008, the global campaign comprises a number of programmes and activities to support and strengthen the quality of media.

IFJ Coordinator Muneer Zaarur said a bureau is to be established in Manama , the Bahraini capital as part of the initiative. "It is aimed to follow up the adoption and implementation of the programmes to be proposed under the Initiative," he said, adding that a regional consultative council shall provide guidelines for the Bureau, which is set to be opened in Bahrain on April 11.

The Initiative is about promoting debate and seeking solutions to many of the problems and issues faced by the media today, and initially will evaluate several aspects. One of the first practices will be to evaluate what is being done at the national level to promote quality and sound journalistic practices, particularly in covering minority groups and conflict situations.

The Initiative also suggests dialogue at national and international level -- within and around media -- to raise awareness about quality journalism.

Support is given as well to preparing publications and materials highlighting best ethical practices and advice for encouraging a culture of sound, considerate judgment in the newsroom.

Using existing resources through partnerships, the EJI web site will showcase practical work being undertaken by media or journalists' organisations on quality issues and create a forum for exchanging information on intercultural dialogue, and provide links for journalists to other sources.

The Initiative also provides practical training programmes on the ethical imperatives of journalism, with a focus on reporting intercultural affairs and conflict. Through partnerships with existing structures, the campaign will monitor violations of ethical standards as established by the principles of the EJI and journalists' codes of conduct.

The Initiative aims to promote a new and vigorous debate with insight and rigorous argument about the need for quality and thoughtful editorial decision-making.

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