Media codes database promotes ethical communications
The Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) and the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) have launched the Accountable Journalism website, which includes the largest database of media codes in a user-friendly and searchable Web application. One goal of the Accountable Journalism project is to be an ongoing crowdsourcing initiative to keep the database current.
"This database is one of the most popular features for RJI so we're delighted to be able to team up with EJN to expand it and make it easier to use," said Randy Picht, RJI's executive director. "The new search flexibility alone will give media professionals, educators and students terrific new insights into the important subject of media ethics around the world."
Within the database, users can search for media codes based on the code's originating country, as well as by topic, type of organization, region and date of creation/update.
In addition to improving the technology and interface, the revamped Accountable Journalism database now includes additional codes of ethics and links on hate speech, which is problematic both online and offline.
"The relevance of media codes has never been more pertinent than they are in today's communications landscape," says Aidan White, director of the EJN. "With the number of voices and the rapid exchanges on the Internet increasing, ethical journalism is needed more than ever to protect the integrity of free expression. It is important work to encourage the development of media codes and how they relate to acts of journalism."