AJM and SEMM: There is no room for sensations in the media when there are personal tragedies

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Council for Media Ethics (SEMM) appeal to the media when reporting on events with tragic consequences followed by lost human lives consistently to respect the Code of Journalists of Macedonia.

After the car accident that happened tonight, near the shopping centre “City Mall”, according to official information, one person lost his life, AJM and SEMM react with concern for the spread of sensationalist headlines and information.

Announcements showing explicit footage of the accident may upset the public and cause additional emotional pain to family members and relatives of the deceased person.

The media have an obligation to inform the public about information of public interest, but at the same time to respect the privacy of the person, as well as personal pain and grief, and in accordance with Article 8 of the Code of Journalism according to which “the manner of reporting on cases with family tragedies must be free from sensationalism.”