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Journalism ethics

IFJ Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists

Also known as the Bordeaux Declaration, the principles were first adopted in 1954  by the IFJ’s World Congress and amended in 1986. They have formed the bedrock of the IFJ’s uncompromising stand in defence of a quality and ethical journalism.

This international Declaration is proclaimed as a standard of professional conduct for journalists engaged in gathering, transmitting, disseminating and commenting on news and information in describing events.

  1. Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.
  2. In pursuance of this duty, the journalist shall at all times defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and of the right of fair comment and criticism.
  3. The journalist shall report only in accordance with facts of which he/ she knows the origin. The journalist shall not suppress essential information or falsify documents.
  4. The journalist shall use only fair methods to obtain news, photographs and documents.
  5. The journalist shall do the utmost to rectify any published information which is found to be harmfully inaccurate.
  6. The journalist shall observe professional secrecy regarding the source of information obtained in confidence.
  7. The journalist shall be aware of the danger of discrimination being furthered by the media, and shall do the utmost to avoid facilitating such discrimination based on, among other things, race, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinions, and national or social origins.
  8. The journalist shall regard as grave professional offences the following:
    – plagiarism;
    – malicious misrepresentation;
    – calumny, slander, libel, unfounded accusations;
    – the acceptance of a bribe in any form in consideration of either publication or suppression.
  9. Journalists worthy of the name shall deem it their duty to observe faithfully the principles stated above. Within the general law of each country the journalist shall recognize in professional matters the jurisdiction of colleagues only, to the exclusion of every kind of interference by governments or others.