Recusal of a Readers’ Editor
The Hindu
The line dividing the professional creed of a journalist from her anxieties as a citizen is getting blurred by executive excesses
In the judiciary, judges sometimes recuse themselves from hearing cases listed before them. The reason for their recusal is either conflict of interest or prior association with one of the parties involved in the case. It must be kept in mind that there are no written rules on the recusal of judges from hearing cases listed before them. Judges use their discretion in making the decision of whether or not to hear the case. As the Readers’ Editor of this newspaper, I have often wondered what would be the case from which I would recuse myself. I have participated in protests defending freedom of expression and the rights of journalists to perform their work without fear of intimidation. I have been part of teams that defended democratic rights, raised voices against jingoism, and supported the idea of pluralism. I am aware of editors and media managers who are wary of journalists expressing their views publicly. On the other hand, there are also editors who have taken the view that individual views, as long as they conform to the foundations of ethical journalism, should not be curbed. The Society of Professional Journalists has distilled journalistic ethics to four operational principles: seek truth and report it, minimise harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent.More Related News
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