The MCPNG Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (the Code) is presented in six parts (in addition to the one-page summary above, ‘The Essential Ethics’).  The Code in detail includes both ethical principles to be applied and guidelines for use.

The six parts are:

Editorial Principles & Guidelines − of relevance to anyone who creates or publishes journalism.

Personal Conduct & Integrity − applicable to anyone working in media, including journalists.

Children & Vulnerable Persons − applicable to all workers and especially those working directly with children and other vulnerable persons.

Commercial Activities (Advertising & Sponsorship).

Corporate & Employer Obligations.

Addendum: MCPNG complaints handling process − binding on all MCPNG members.

Media Council of Papua New Guinea
Email: mediacouncilpng@gmail.com
Website: mcpng.net
c/o PO Box 1980, Vision City 1131,
NCD, Papua New Guinea

PART A:  EDITORIAL PRINCIPLES & GUIDELINES

1:  Understanding the law and principles of media self-regulation

All those involved with the reporting, creation, production and presentation of news and information content are required to be familiar with the basic provisions of PNG legislation and media regulation relating to their work.

All members of the Media Council shall familiarize themselves with its objectives and commit to the promotion of high professional standards and accountability through the Council’s policy framework of industry self-regulation.

Members are encouraged to keep up-to-date in their understanding of media law and ethical principles by attending periodic briefing sessions offered by the MCPNG or other parties.

2:  Accuracy and balance

When collecting, producing and editing news and information content:

• Identify yourself and who you work for.

• Always ensure that a person being interviewed is aware that the information offered may be published or broadcast and that you are recording or taking notes of the interview or conversation.

• Report honestly what you see and what you are told by witnesses and/or by other reliable sources (eg, persons qualified to speak about the matter). Do not take sides.

• Make reasonable efforts to ensure facts are accurate and presented in context; do not rely on hearsay, gossip or social media, without verifying.

• Check facts, including names, titles and places.

• Ensure editorial decisions are not improperly influenced by political, commercial, sectional or personal interests.

• Act with due impartiality − open minded, presenting a diversity of relevant perspectives, following the weight of evidence.

• Strive for balanced, evidence-based coverage, about contested issues or disputes between organisations, community groups or individuals. This may be achieved within individual stories/productions or in coverage over time.

• Ensure that any use of stock or library images, reconstructions or flashback sequences, includes the clear labeling of them as such; failure to do so may result in misrepresentation.

• Provide a reasonable opportunity for an individual or organization to respond to an allegation or criticism prior to publication or broadcast.

• If translating content from one language or dialect to another, use direct “quotes” only when you are certain of their accuracy; otherwise paraphrase or summarise accurately in your own words what the source says.

When commissioning, writing and publishing/broadcasting news commentary and opinion:

• Identify clearly what is news (factual) and what is commentary or opinion.

• Strive to represent a range of opinions and perspectives on significant issues either within individual stories or over time.

As a general principle, content such as still images, video and illustrations should not be digitally enhanced or altered such as to distort or misrepresent their original meaning or significance. Exceptions must be justified and approved by the responsible senior editor/producer in advance of publication or broadcast.

3:  Social media, user-generated and online content

The same ethical principles and responsibilities apply generally to the use of social media as to other news and information platforms employed by PNG media.

Any user-generated content submitted for carriage on a social media site must be approved or reviewed by the site’s moderator or host. Responsible editors/producers must consider which is the appropriate form of moderation to suit a given circumstance:

• The most controlled option calls for the moderator/host to review and approve all content before it is published; this being appropriate to situations thought reasonably likely to result in the submission of abusive or offensive content.

• Where the risk of abuse is considered less likely and/or real-time audience engagement is encouraged, posts may appear immediately − so long as a moderator is available to review the content and respond in a timely manner.

• A minimum form of moderation calls for an intervention only in response to a complaint being made about content appearing on a site. Of the three options, potentially this one may expose the host media outlet to a greater risk of reputational damage.

A form of systematic moderation or monitoring may also be required when a media outlet permits or discovers that its content appears on a third-party site; the suitability of each site (and any associated sub-site) must be reviewed.

If a media outlet offers online search links to third-party sites, reasonable care must be taken to ensure those sites are suitable to the audience categories concerned (eg, a general audience, persons aged under 18 years) and be generally compatible with the ethical expectations of the MCPNG and this Code.

Journalists and other content creators who wish to source online information that is freely available in the public domain (which may include text, still images, video and material from open social media sites) must exercise reasonable care in relying on its suitability and authenticity.

MCPNG members acting as social media influencers are bound by the relevant provisions of this code. The MCPNG defines an influencer as a person who draws on their authority, credibility or celebrity to reach audiences with the intention or result of affecting audience buying habits or other actions.

4:  Keeping humans ‘in-the-loop’ with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Globally, media organisations are moving rapidly to adopt applications of artificial intelligence (AI), variously to write news stories, generate financial and market reports and streamline multi-platform delivery to different audience segments.

But PNG media are advised to treat AI systems with an abundance of caution. Around the world, media and governments are struggling to come to terms with the emergence of ever more advanced “generative artificial intelligence” technology. Not least, it is becoming harder to identify so-called deep fakes and harmful activities.

A review of 37 media organisations across Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania finds they share four main concerns about AI:

• Algorithmic content that is prone to falsehoods, errors and biases, which can affect media credibility.

• A widening skills gap in what is required to manage AI in media production.

• Potential disruptions to media workflow as humans try to ‘collaborate’ with AI systems.

• The use of AI to spread intentional disinformation and unintentional misinformation.

The MCPNG acknowledges that the magnitude of challenge from AI is beyond the capacity of PNG to fully regulate in isolation from other jurisdictions. Guidelines on how to deal ethically with AI will evolve over time. But the public interest requires media practitioners immediately to deal with the challenges as best they can in a principled manner. Fundamental to the understanding of 37 media organisations reviewed globally is that they must keep “humans-in-the-loop” as controllers and gatekeepers.

Taking account of the limited financial and technological resources available to PNG media, and the likelihood that use of generative AI will become more common in this country, the following principles and guidelines are advised:

Media outlets shall be accountable for all content published or broadcast, whether created by humans or AI.

Human decision-making must remain central to both daily editorial and programming output as well as to longer-term planning.

Media outlets shall declare to readers/audiences any instance when and how they have relied significantly on AI to generate content. Samples of text may include the following:

• This report includes content generated by AI, checked by a staff journalist.

• [Name of media outlet] uses generative AI content to assist journalists in research.

If media outlets adopt generative AI for editorial purposes, wherever possible, they should use state-of-the-art software tools to verify the origin, accuracy and any changes made to AI content intended for publication. If such tools are not available or affordable  −

AI should not be employed to write articles or scripts (unless their accuracy is verified in detail by qualified human fact-checkers).

Media should not rely on AI images that purport to represent “real life”.

Internationally syndicated news and commentary may reasonably be sourced and relied upon if obtained from and attributed to reputable and publicly accountable media outlets globally; that is, outlets which are transparent about their AI usage and employ state-of-the-art tools for the detection of fakes.

For your reference:

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and 16 other organisations have developed and launched The Paris Charter on AI and Journalism (November 2023); it is a first attempt to define media ethics and principles in relation to AI. The principles and guidelines advised for PNG media (above), in part, draw on provisions of the Charter:

https://search.app/C8oVFTFmdCJbHpiP6/

Polis, a British journalism think-tank at the London School of Economics and Political Science, has created an AI Journalism Starter Pack to assist news organisations in deciding if and how to utilize AI journalism:

https://search.app/aFS1dJhmHj8DqZkVA/.

The Public Media Alliance (a global association of public service broadcasters) offers a useful tool to assist fact-checking:

www.publicmediaalliance.org/tools/fact-checking-investigative-journalism/.

In the USA, the Poynter Institute advertises two resources of potential value − advice on selecting a rating tool to assist fact-checking; and a free online course designed for senior citizens and which may be helpful to other users:

https://search.app/hC2RUzvyfrFyhHic7/

https://search.app/TCpDAZDB9HaifoXR7/

One commonly cited tool is the WeVerify Deepfake Detector, which processes images and videos to determine the probability of them containing ‘deepfake manipulated faces’:

https://search.app/ckMEBkkPHsDkikAm7/

5:  Balance media freedom with community responsibility

While exercising the PNG Constitutional right to free speech and free media, respect the nation’s diverse culture and principles of self-respect, spiritual wellbeing, human decency, and religious values.

Avoid causing unnecessary offence, harm or distress through the use of inappropriate images, language or behaviour, according to generally accepted community standards.

When proposing to engage persons in editorial or production activities (filming, recording or performing), take account of the possibility they may not understand the full implications of taking part (eg, being identified and placed at risk of harm in the context of a communal dispute or criminal incident):

• Explain the purpose and circumstances of the editorial or production activity, the intention to publish or broadcast;

• Obtain their informed consent, except in situations where their participation or appearance is incidental to the activity (eg, their presence among others in a public gathering).

Consider carefully the portrayal of violence and distressing situations, including domestic and gender-based violence; portray such situations only when there is a clear editorial justification. In particular:

• Do not identify the victims of domestic violence or sexual crimes.

• Take care not to incite or glorify crime and serious anti-social behaviour.

• Especially in the case of electronic media, consider alternative forms of portraying violence with the aim of lessening the risk of trauma or inflaming a situation (eg, choices of language, still images, the selection of video footage, and in the setting of interviews with victims or participants).

Exercise particular care in relation to any editorial or broadcasting content that offers ‘life-changing’ advice or fantastical claims, including matters of the occult, witchcraft and exorcism and/or paranormal events.

6:  Respect people’s privacy and dignity

Avoid intruding on the lives of people in situations where they would reasonably expect privacy (eg, when off-duty, at home, with their families) unless there is a strong editorial reason to do so in the public interest.

Persons holding public office or other prominent roles in society should generally be accorded a right to privacy regarding their personal affairs. The exception is if these affairs reasonably may be thought to affect their performance of public duties or their fitness to hold office.

Be respectful and sympathetic when approaching people in situations of shock and grief (eg, deaths, victims of crime, victims of natural disasters or civil unrest).

Notify survivors or their families, in advance of publication, if they figure in stories (especially photographs, video or sound reports); and keep such coverage of survivors or families to the minimum necessary.

Respect the identity of all people regardless of their ethnic or kin background, age, gender, marital status, sexual preference, physical appearance, physical or mental disability, religion or other beliefs.

Take care that the language used when referring to people with disabilities is appropriate and respectful; and that reportage does not discriminate unfairly against such persons.

7:  Dealing with mistakes and complaints:

Publish a correction and apology for an identified error as soon as possible (with appropriate placement or visibility).

Offer an opportunity of reply to an individual or organization affected significantly by an editorial error.

In good faith, aim to resolve any complaint directly with the complainant, especially if it is one relating to an alleged breach of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

In the event a complaint remains unresolved, refer it to the Media Council’s Independent Complaints Tribunal and participate honestly and respectfully in the complaints management process.

PART B:  PERSONAL CONDUCT & INTEGRITY

8:  Ethical standards of personal conduct

Represent yourself openly and honestly in all professional dealings (unless there is a strong editorial reason in the public interest to do otherwise, and only when sanctioned by the responsible editor or publisher). Identify yourself and the media outlet you represent.

Make known to your superior any relationship that might result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest when performing your professional duties:

• Declare any relevant prior connection to a matter being reported, whether through kinship, friends or close associates and/or organisations; and whether you have received some benefit from the connection.

• A supervising editor/producer should assess the significance of any declared conflict of interest to determine whether the editorial worker concerned should be re-assigned to an unrelated task. Or that

• A note is attached to an article or program declaring that the worker or the publisher has received a benefit (eg, a paid airfare to attend a conference or event) from an external party (eg, commercial organization, NGO, church or Member of Parliament). A declaration may consist of a statement accompanying an article or broadcast piece, either scripted or as a super or strapline.

• A declaration may be simply expressed: eg, ‘The reporter/producer traveled to [place or event] with the support of [name of person/organization].’

As a general rule, do not accept money or other gifts from third parties in the course of your work, whether in the context of cultural, government or commercial events. At all times, a journalist or producer shall seek to uphold the independence of journalism, avoiding any circumstance that could be seen to be bribery:

• In circumstances where PNG traditions or cultural protocols may require you to accept a gift, you should immediately declare it to your supervising editor who will consider appropriate action.

Do not copy (plagiarise) other people’s work without giving them credit:

Ask permission from the journalist/main author of the content in question.

1. Acknowledge the source of information used.

2. Respect the copyright or moral rights held by the author of material.

3. Avoid using news releases or other public relations content without checking information and naming the source.

PART C:  CHILDREN & VULNERABLE PERSONS

9:  Care of children (in PNG, defined as persons aged under 18 years)

At all times, consider the vulnerability and wellbeing of children, whether in the context of news being reported or their portrayal or participation in media production:

• Do not interview, photograph or film a child or children (person under 18 years) without first obtaining consent from the parent or other responsible adult.

• Do not approach or photograph or film a child or children at school or in other comparable situations (eg, supervised youth or church groups) without first obtaining consent from adults responsible for their care.

• Do not identify persons aged under 18 as victims of or witnesses to sexual crimes.

• In case of incest, do not identify the child. Identify an adult associated with the case only if this can be done without suggesting a relationship between an accused person and the child (and which therefore identifies the child).

• If engaging/contracting a person under 18 years to participate in a production, performance or event, do not make payment to a child; only make payment to the responsible person (parent or guardian) who has consented to the arrangement.

• Girls and boys should be treated equally in the way they are portrayed, avoiding negative stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity, religion, education, physical ability or socio-economic background.

When writing or producing a story that features children, ask people who know them about any potential adverse consequences of publishing their story:

• Special care should be taken to ensure that reporting or portrayal of vulnerable children does not ‘cause further harm, secondary trauma, distress, humiliation, embarrassment or grief, or expose the child to danger’ [from Editorial Guidelines and Principles for Reporting on Children in the Media, European Commission et al.].

• Take care to avoid portrayals that may expose children to psychological or physical harm, discrimination or rejection by their families or local communities.

When interviewing and photographing children, respect their privacy and confidentiality:

• A child should always be interviewed in a comfortable and non-threatening environment.

• The child’s wishes should be respected if he/she chooses not to participate or wishes to withdraw.

• She/he should be allowed reasonable time to conclude whether, having participated in an interview, they want the item to be published.

In the case of a proposed audio-visual feature or information program: ensure you are legally entitled to name or show the identity of a child of a particular age and circumstance prior to seeking the informed consent of parents or persons legally responsible for the child concerned:

• Care should be taken to explain the purpose and circumstances of the activity, the intention to broadcast or otherwise publish, and to ensure they are willing to participate.

• Written consent to their participation, wherever possible, should be obtained from their parents or persons legally responsible for their welfare.

• In circumstances where it is not feasible to obtain written consent (eg, in a remote location where illiteracy is prevalent), it is advisable to engage expert support such as a child welfare professional and to record consent by other means (eg, voice recording).

• Particular care and consideration should be given to any child who seeks to withdraw their informed consent prior to completion or release of the production or publication in question.

Irrespective of whether parents or a legal guardian consent to the participation of a child under-18-years, it is the responsibility of the commissioning editor and/or producer, throughout the production process, to exercise reasonable judgment:

• Acknowledging and complying with local traditions or restrictions on the reproduction of personal images.

• Taking account of the age and maturity of a participant.

• Appreciating that, while children may be keen to participate, they may lack the knowledge or judgment to assess the implications of doing so.

• Understanding that parents and legal guardians also may not understand the full implications of children taking part.

• Considering the potential negative impact of subsequent public commentary, especially via social media, when responding to content that is broadcast or otherwise disseminated.

While enabling children to have voice through participation in media-related activities, be alert to instances when they may exaggerate, provide responses intended to please the adult, offer gossip or make questionable assertions.

10:  Take care when reporting suicide, violence and other sensitive matters

When reporting suicide:

• Verify with an appropriate authority (eg, police, health services or the Coroner) that suicide was the cause of death, and always attribute statements to the relevant authority.

• Do not report details of the event, including the means by which death occurred; and do not publish or broadcast explicit images of the event.

• Use language with appropriate consideration for the family and friends of the deceased person.

• Do not glorify the act of suicide or the method used.

• Where possible, include in any editorial coverage the address of a medical or other suicide prevention service, which could offer help to other persons who may consider taking their own lives.

When covering shocking, sensitive or traumatic situations:

• Exercise the Constitutional right of free speech and media but avoid the use of language or images that might cause unnecessary offence or worsen already sensitive situations.

• If visiting a hospital or other medical facility, always identify yourself as a journalist or media worker and seek official permission before approaching patients.

• Respect people’s privacy and dignity.

• Take reasonable precautions to protect your colleagues and yourself in these situations and be mindful of the trauma you may experience. Refer to advice and resources available from the Dart Centre Asia Pacific to assist with preparation for and the coverage of stories of this nature − https://dartcenter.org/asia-pacific.

When reporting crime, including domestic violence:

• Do not glorify or incite crime or anti-social behaviour.

• Do not identify victims of domestic violence and sex crimes; and do not identify the home area or village or provide any other information by which the victims can be identified.

• Do not identify anyone under 18 years who is accused of a sex crime.

• Do not identify the relatives and friends of an accused child, unless there is a strong reason to do so.

• Do not pay criminals or their associates for participation in a story or program.

• Although payment to witnesses of a crime is strongly discouraged, in the event, do not make any payment unless and until a trial has finished and the verdict is not being sent to appeal.

PART D:  COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES (ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP)

For use by all those who commission, contract and produce or supply advertising and/or sponsorship arrangements intended for PNG media dissemination (including out-of-home advertising via billboards, signs and comparable formats of visual representation). Also for use by publishers, broadcasters and media service providers who approve the publication and dissemination of advertising content and content funded through sponsorship in cash or in-kind.

11:  Maintain an ethical distinction between editorial and commercial interests:

1. The MCPNG acknowledges that small news organisations, with limited staff and resources, may sometimes find it necessary for editorial personnel to help identify advertising or sponsorship prospects. Likewise, an employee may be approached by a potential advertiser in the course of a journalistic assignment.

2. Editorial personnel must refer any interested advertiser or sponsor to their sales manager; editorial staff must not negotiate directly or finalise an agreement.

3. Any spotter’s commission or other reward must be issued by, and at the discretion of their employer, never by the advertiser or sponsor directly to editorial personnel.

12:  Uphold standards of decency and truth in advertising at all times:

1. All advertising should be designed and presented so that consumers identify it clearly as advertising rather than editorial content (including advertorial content).

2. As a general rule, any promotional or similar content provided by a third -party sponsor should be informative, appropriate to the ages of target readers and audiences, and free of special pleading or enticements. This includes sponsorship messages or product placements embedded within the me blocks or other platforms of editorial content.

3. It is acceptable to use some “puffery” or language so exaggerated that no reasonable Papua New Guinean could take it seriously (eg, “You’ll never get a better deal!”, “Once in a lifetime opportunity!”).

4. But advertising must not mislead or deceive consumers about the products or services on offer. Products and services must perform as promised and as advertised.

5. Do not offer false hope to people about the likely benefits of health and medicinal products; and do not encourage people to experiment with medication or treatments that may harm them.

6. Advertisers must take care to balance their qualified freedom of expression with respect for PNG’s culture, values and traditions.

7. Advertising content should not be such as to cause widespread or serious offence.

8. Sexual appeal should not be presented in a manner than exploits or degrades a person, regardless of gender, age or background.

13:  Testimonials and endorsements must be used responsibly:

1. Any personal testimonials about the merits of a product or service must be genuine and be able to be verified.

2. Testimonials by children should not be used to endorse products or services.

3. The findings of government, scientific or professional research should not be used in support of a product or service without the consent of the appropriate authorities.

14:  Advertising should not result in harm or unnecessary fear:

1. Advertising should not cause distress or fear without justification in the public interest (eg, health warnings).

2. Any content likely to cause legitimate fear must do so only in relation to the level of risk posed by the matter in question.

3. Advertising must not seek to exploit or alarm vulnerable consumers, including children, who may lack the knowledge or experience to make a reasonable judgment.

4. Dangerous or illegal practices should not be featured unless for a well-planned educational or social purpose.

5. Advertising should not encourage, condone or glamorize violence or anti-social behaviour.

15:  Advertisers and sponsors should respect the identity, privacy and dignity of consumers:

1. No individuals should be portrayed in a way likely to expose them to widespread hostility, contempt, abuse or ridicule.

2. Negative stereotypes likely to cause offence should be avoided, regardless of a person’s ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, appearance, physical or mental disability, cultural background, religion or other beliefs.

3. Any identifiable person featured in an advertisement in a way that suggests product endorsement must have given their consent in advance.

4. There should be no unfair, adverse or inaccurate portrayal of any person who may readily be identified.

5. Apply care and sensitivity when referring to persons recently deceased.

16:  At all times, advertising and sponsorship messages must respect the safety, dignity and emotional wellbeing of child audiences:

1. Do not risk health or safety by portraying children engaging in unsafe acts, associating with strangers, placed in unsuitable situations, using products in an unsafe manner, or practices of poor hygiene, diet or health.

2. Do not promote or glamorize violence or encourage anti-social behaviour and do not show children behaving in an anti-social manner.

3. Do not exploit unfairly the natural innocence or naivety of children.

4. Do not suggest that children will be inferior or looked down upon if they do not possess the product being advertised.

5. Do not encourage children to buy without the consent of parents or guardians (including by mail, telephone or internet).

17:  Electronic media outlets have particular ethical responsibilities when scheduling or addressing content to audiences under 18 years of age:

1. Any advertising or promotional content relating to the sale or consumption of intoxicants and drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, and gambling of any sort, should not appear within formats intended for children or placed adjacent to them.

2. Product placement or promotional messages within content formats intended for children should be avoided, including for example −

• Narratives referring to a particular brand name rather than generic type (eg, brand “Toyota” rather than “four-wheel drive vehicle”.

• A presenter refers repeatedly to a commercial product or service rather than merely referring to it as part of a story.

• A host or presenter promotes or endorses a particular product or service.

• Repetitive images or signs of a commercial product or service appear and are more than incidental to the main content.

• Scripted dialogue includes references to well-known product or service brands.

PART E:  CORPORATE & EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS

For use by media members (constituent bodies) of the MCPNG − senior editors, publishers and media managers in PNG, regardless of whether they direct output in print or broadcasts/streaming or via online and mobile services. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining the workplace conditions that enable ethical conduct.

18:  Organisational commitment to industry ethical standards:

1. All personnel involved with the management, journalism and other content creation and presentation, shall be required to familiarize themselves with and uphold the principles and guidelines laid out in this Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

2. The media organisation/company will include or commission a mandatory briefing on key features of the Code as part of the induction process for all employees and contractors involved with the commissioning, creation and presentation of news and other content.

3. Each media member of the MCPNG shall conduct its affairs and manage its workforce in a manner consistent with the ethical principles and standards laid out in the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

19:  Consistent with a commitment to ethical self-regulation, each media member body is advised to establish and administer an in-house process for complaints handling:

1. Each member body shall nominate a person or office to be responsible for receiving, logging and responding to complaints relating to alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

2. A body will make all reasonable effort to acknowledge receipt of a complaint within five working days from the date the complaint is received even though it may take longer to resolve the matter.

3. If the parties are not able to satisfactorily resolve the complaint, either one may refer it to the Independent Complaints Tribunal, an industry self-regulatory body established under the Constitution of the MCPNG.

4. Any member of the media called before the Independent Complaints Tribunal in response to a complaint will represent itself honestly and in good faith.

20:  Each media member will endeavour in good faith to respect the public interest:

1. To the extent practicable, it will keep separate the editorial and the sales and marketing functions of the organization −

• Maintain effective management oversight to protect the impartiality and fairness of news and information content.

• Ensure that editorial personnel do not negotiate directly or finalise an agreement with a prospective advertiser or commercial sponsor.

• Ensure that any spotter’s commission or other reward to editorial staff will be issued by, and at the discretion of the employer, never the advertiser or sponsor.

1. Take particular care that editorial opinion is clearly labeled as such and kept separate from news and factual information.

21:  Each media member shall take all reasonable measures to protect the safety and welfare of its employees and contractors in the course of their duties:

1. Maintaining a safe working environment that meets accepted standards of fit-out and industrial amenity.

2. Ensuring workers are equipped with at least the minimum level of resources and equipment reasonably necessary for the performance of their duties.

3. Establishing and upholding policies of respectful and non-discriminatory conduct in the workplace.

4. Providing or facilitating opportunities for personnel to undergo training and career development activities, including personal security awareness training.

5. Providing or facilitating the provision of insurance coverage for employees at risk of harm in the performance of their duties.

PART F:  ADDENDUM − MCPNG COMPLAINTS HANDLING PROCESS

For the information of all media members who are bound to uphold the ethical principles and guidelines laid out in this Code, including the importance of public accountability.

The MCPNG complaints handling process is to deal with allegations that a media member has published or broadcast content that breaches this Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. It does not relate to general complaints about media services or, for example, matters relating to the terms of consumer contracts (eg, subscriptions or other such transactions).

All parties shall agree to engage respectfully and in good faith with the complaints process and any determination by the Independent Complaints Tribunal made properly and in accordance with its terms of reference. and in accordance with its terms of reference.

Responsibility of Media Members

1: Any media member receiving a complaint that it has breached the code of ethics shall endeavour to resolve the matter directly with the complainant in a timely manner. Either party may refer the complaint to the Independent Complaints Tribunal, operating under the auspices of the MCPNG, if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily.

Independent Complaints Tribunal

2: The Independent Complaints Tribunal shall be empowered to consider and adjudicate on complaints lodged by the general public:

1. that arise from an alleged breach or breaches of a code of ethics or code or practice adopted and administered by the Council for the purpose of industry self-regulation;

2. that remain unresolved or the outcomes contested, having first been referred to the media organization or media practitioner(s) responsible for the publication, broadcast tor post that was the subject of complaint.

3: Membership of the Independent Complaints Tribunal shall comprise eight persons – four members of the MCPNG (Council) and four public members:

1. members shall be appointed from a list of nominees presented to the Council’s annual general meeting, for terms of one year, and be eligible for re-appointment;

2. candidates for appointment shall be adult persons of good standing with knowledge of media practice and/or a background in fields such as law, commerce, health, public administration or civil society;

3. one public member of the Tribunal shall be appointed as its Convenor, who will liaise with the Council Secretariat on matters associated with the procedures, coordination and administration of the Tribunal’s functions;

4. each complaint shall be considered by a panel of not fewer than three persons drawn from the eight-member Tribunal – a chairperson and at least one person from a media background and one representing the public interest.

3: Duties of the Independent Complaints Tribunal shall include the following:

1. accept and register written complaints lodged by the general public or persons nominated to represent individuals who are not able to express their complaints in writing;

2. determine whether complaints fall within the terms of reference of the Tribunal; that is, whether they relate to alleged breaches of a code of ethics or code of practice adopted and administered by the Council;

3. In the first instance, ensure that complaints have been or are referred to the media organisations or practitioners concerned, so they may endeavour, in good faith, to resolve matters directly;

4. convene panels of the Tribunal to adjudicate on and mediate between complainants and the media subjects of their complaints, listening carefully and communicating clearly on matters of process and timeframes;

5. review complaints fairly and honestly, taking account of all relevant points of view, while ensuring complainants and respondents are kept informed about progress and the likely timeframe of resolution;

6. having adjudicated complaints, provide written statements outlining the judgement, the reasons for any decisions taken or consequent recommendations made to one or more of the parties involved, and to the Council;

7. ensure that the outcomes of all adjudications are published in the form of media releases and notices in Council publications;

8. advise and make recommendations to the Council to ensure that information about the role and processes of the Tribunal are transparent and readily accessible by the general public;

9. provide advice to the Council on any matters pertaining to the integrity and effectiveness of the complaints management system, which may include the implications of media trends or debates about media and democracy, changing community standards or expectations, and the need to review or amend a code of ethics/code of practice.

Enforcement and Penalties

4: The MCPNG has limited powers to enforce a finding of the Independent Complaints Tribunal or to deal with a media member who fails to either engage with the Tribunal in good faith or comply with its recommendations. Enforcement options available to the MCPNG are to:

1. ‘Name and shame’ publicly a member found to have committed a serious breach of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice; and/or

2. Suspend membership and entitlements of the member concerned until it has complied; and/or

3. Expel a member found guilty of a serious breach or serious breaches of membership rules, including compliance with the Code.

4. Refer any breach of the Code thought possibly to be unlawful to an appropriate enforcement agency for investigation.