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Concerns on publicised professional differences
Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
October 11, 2013

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) Board expresses serious concern at the recent spate of publicised differences between media practitioners and media organisations in the mainstream media.

While it remains true that all journalists have the right to express themselves and their views of each other, it is important that such differences do not appear to be motivated by personal malice as opposed to professional considerations when they are published in the mainstream print or electronic media.

Moreover, it is also important that all journalists understand that their critical role is always to function in the best public interest by reporting/writing on issues of broader public import or policy. It however, becomes problematic where and when journalists commit pen, paper and space to seek to elaborate their areas of personal differences to a public that may not be privy to the internal operations of the media.

Where such differences exist and need to be published, it must be done taking into account Sections 4, 7 and 8 of the Media Code of Conduct which emphasises the accuracy and fairness; the right of reply to an opinion and accuracy/factual commentary, respectively.

The VMCZ therefore encourages all journalists to pursue internal professional avenues to resolve differences amicably before deciding to put the same said differences in the public domain.

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