The adoption of the Code of Ethics of MRT should be postponed

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia requests from the Programme Council of the MRT to postpone the adoption of the Code of Ethics for PBS.

We are warning that if the Code is adopted, in the proposed form, it will not improve the reporting of journalists. Contrary, it will cause serious consequences in the PBS. There is a real risk of MRTs’ management to abuse certain articles of the Code and make pressure on journalists.

The biggest drawback of the new Code is mixing of journalistic ethics with working discipline. No journalist shall be laid off if he/she refuses a task that is contrary to the ethical principles of journalism.

A judgment cannot be passed on Journalists regarding a possible violation of ethical norms from persons who have never worked as journalists and are nominated by the management of MRT.

AJM reviewed and prepared substantial remarks to improve the text that forms the Code of Ethics. But Programme Council at the last session, without any explanation, rejected our suggestion and insisted on today’s session to be adopted.

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

March 7, 2017

Skopje