The subject of journalistic standards has recently come to the forefront in Kiama, prompting a need to clarify what these standards entail. Central to this topic is the Journalist Code of Ethics, published by the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA). As Australia's largest and most established union and industry advocate for creative professionals, MEAA is built on integrity and driven by creativity. The organisation emerged from the merger of three key groups: the Australian Journalists Association, Actors Equity of Australia, and the Australian Theatrical & Amusement Employees Association.

MEAA, as a thought leader and catalyst for change, aligns itself with the Australian Press Council's guidelines and standards for both print and digital media. This alignment underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in journalistic practice, especially in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The core principles outlined in the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics include a commitment to honesty, fairness, independence, and a respect for truth. Journalists are expected to educate themselves about ethical standards and apply them diligently in their work. This involves reporting and interpreting news honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness, and ensuring the disclosure of all essential facts. Journalists must avoid suppressing relevant information or giving undue emphasis that distorts the truth.

One of the fundamental duties of journalists, as stated in the Code, is to "scrutinise power." This means holding those in authority accountable while remaining committed to the core values of honesty, fairness, and independence. These standards, while challenging to uphold, are crucial in maintaining public trust in the media.

It's important to acknowledge that journalists, like all professionals, are human and therefore fallible. Mistakes can happen, but the intention should always be to act honestly, fairly, independently, and with a focus on truth. 

In today's fast-paced, information-driven world, the role of journalism is more critical than ever. News sources are our primary means of staying informed, and the "4 Cs of Journalism" - Clarity, Context, Coherence, and Completeness - are essential goals in delivering quality reporting. This is our aim. This is our intention.

However, it's also vital to recognise that news media is a form of entertainment. This aspect can sometimes lead to sensationalism, where attention-grabbing stories overshadow other significant news. A notable example of this is the media coverage following the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. The tragic event dominated global news, overshadowing other important events, such as the death of Mother Teresa a week later.

Similarly, in September 2001, the terrorist attacks in the USA consumed media attention, pushing other newsworthy stories aside. This tendency to focus on sensational or dramatic events over others is a reflection of human nature and the inherent biases in our perception.

The examples above show that we humans are swayed by many factors. “We are all limited by our perception” is one of the best sayings of all, as it demonstrates that we each have a perspective and filters that we bring to every experience - whether we are writing or reading!

In conclusion, while journalists strive to report honestly and fairly, it is essential to recognise the limitations of human perception and the influence of various factors on the news we consume. Despite these challenges, the commitment to ethical journalism remains a guiding principle in delivering balanced and truthful reporting.