Ethics in News and Public Affairs Programming

Multimedia Laws and Ethics - Quiz 1 Reviewer

• Module 1 - Media:
  • Media is a plural form of the Latin word "medium."
  • The Department of Trade and Industry handles customer complaints.
  • The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ensures fair competition.
  • The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) rates television shows and films.
  • Media functions include informing, educating, entertaining, and advertising.
  • Source types include primary, secondary, and tertiary.
  • Non-traditional and traditional media are discussed.
    • Print, broadcast, motion pictures, sound recordings, and new media are examples of media types.
  • News is categorized by location, such as North, East, West, and South.
  • Branches of government include legislative, executive, and judicial.
  • Mass communication uses technology to send messages to a broad audience.
  • Erratum is a statement of error correction in published media.
  • National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) works to reduce media piracy.
  • KBP, FAP, FWEI, PMPPA, organization concerning workers in media and film industry.
  • Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association and Filipino workers in the entertainment industry are related.
  • Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and Film Academy of the Philippines are mentioned, related to the media and film industries in the Philippines.

Module 1 - Media, continued

• Module 2 - Rule of Law:
  • All persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to the law. -Laws must be publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
  • A clear and consistent legal framework is necessary.
  • Transitional justice is mentioned in a legal context.
  • Public and civil society are touched upon, along with examples like the case of the theft of mangoes and Marcos conviction.
  • The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is the fundamental law of the country, providing the legal framework.

Module 3 - Freedom of Expression

• Article 3, Section 4:
  • Freedom of speech, expression, and the press is protected.
  • The right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is also guaranteed.
  • Proposed amendments include responsible use of freedom of speech, and restraints such as libelous or obscene material.
  • Libelous and obscene material with malice, conflicts of interest, and breaches of confidentiality are discussed.
  • Cyberbullying, disruptive, subversive, and harmful behavior are other restraints.

Module 4 - Broadcasting Preamble

• Hopes and Dreams:
  • Media plays a powerful role in cultural, social, and economic development.
  • Sense of responsibility, morality, and fairness is emphasized for media use in relation to public interest.
• News and Public Affairs:
  • Aim to inform, not entertain. Fairness is crucial.
  • Source credibility and verified information is paramount, and unconfirmed reports should be clearly identified.
  • News interviews must be presented in context of public interest.
    • Personal attacks on individuals or institutions are inadmissible, unless in cases of public interest.
• Children's Programs:
  • Development-focused programs are crucial for children, emphasizing their growth and well-being.
  • Mandatory airtime is required for children's programming. Programs should promote positive values and good behavior.
  • Harmful content should not be promoted; neither are advertising or promotions of alcohol, drug, or nicotine products.
  • Harmful content, violence, sexual content, and inappropriate behavior should not be present.
• Religion:
  • Religious programs must emphasize the positive societal influence of religion.
  • Respect for other beliefs and freedom of expression is important.
  • Religious programming should comply with the code of compliance.

Module 5 - Additional Topics

• National Development:
  • Broadcasting should improve the nation's social and economic well-being.
  • Public service announcements should support development goals.
• Culture and Tradition:
  • Respecting Filipino culture and traditions is essential.
  • Encouragement in Filipino identity is relevant to arts, culture, and science.
  • Broadcaster awareness of local needs is also necessary.
• Law and Order:
  • No advocacy of violence or civil disorder is allowed.
• Discrimination:
  • Respecting individual dignity and avoiding discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or disability is crucial.
• Mentally and Physically Challenged Persons:
  • Mentally and physically challenged individuals should be treated with respect.
  • No humiliation or derogatory treatment.
• Crime and Violence:
  • Glorifying violence and inciting violence are prohibited.
• Sex, Obscenity, and Pornography:
  • Content must be suitable for societal norms; explicit content is prohibited.
• Liquor, Cigarettes, and Dangerous Drugs:
  • Promoting harmful habits, such as alcohol, drug, or smoking, is not allowed. .
• On-air Language:
  • Prohibited language, such as vulgar, obscene, or inciting language, is prohibited.
• Bribery/Blocktimers:
  • No gifts exchanged for favoritism are permitted. Blocktimers must sign and respect codes.
• Universal Ethical Standards:
  • Adoption of ethical practices is imperative. Every broadcast should adhere to universal ethical standards.