Ethics charter for journalists of France Médias Monde
In these times of mistrust, suspicion, and widespread doubt, journalism needs, more than ever, to return to its fundamentals and stand on the solid foundations built patiently, brick by brick, experience after experience, for over a century. It is on the basis of the citizen’s right to information that the professional journalist’s right to seek and publish information rests. This right is fundamental in a democracy, and a citizen needs to be informed in order to behave as such and actively participate, fully aware, in public life and the organisation of society.
The digital revolution, social media, technological advancements, and artificial intelligence have brought many benefits in various fields. However, in the world of news, they can do as much harm as good. It is absolutely essential to differentiate between journalists and influencers, between information and communication or propaganda because nothing resembles real information more than a well-crafted piece of disinformation. Today, the means to cheat, spin, and manipulate are almost within everyone’s reach, making it more necessary than ever to reaffirm our commitment to professional values and ethics.
The first code of ethics for the journalism profession was published in France in 1918. The France Médias Monde charter was written in 2017. A century has passed between the two texts without any contradiction breaking their coherence or continuity.
Therefore, the purpose of this charter is to recall the essential principles regarding journalistic ethics, such as independence, freedom, transparency, honesty of information, pluralistic expression of thoughts and opinions, representation of diverse populations, and the representation of women within the programs broadcasted by France Médias Monde (RFI, F24, and MCD). It aims to gather these principles and values that unite all France Médias Monde employees in a single document.
It was jointly drafted by representatives from France Médias Monde and the representative bodies of journalists (representative unions and journalist societies). The Committee on Honesty, Independence, and Pluralism in Information and Programs (CHIPIP) was also consulted in the drafting of this charter.