"In this handbook we aim to define the issues of corruption, put them into the context of Sri Lanka, and explore the media’s role in exposing corruption and encouraging accountability. We present and analyse the findings of our research into corruption investigative reporting (CIR) in the Sri Lank
...
an media – the experiences of Sri Lankan reporters, how they perceive their role and responsibility when it comes to corruption. We define investigative journalism and explore the qualities, skills and tools that make a good investigative reporter. Case studies are integrated into the handbook to help illustrate corruption and CIR in action." (How to use this handbook)
more
"The purpose of this handbook is to examine how journalists can fulfil their duties within a framework of producing high quality, ethical journalism that is responsive to the needs of the community. The handbook aims to give Sri Lankan journalists an appreciation of their role in society with partic
...
ular emphasis on journalism driven by public service values. This report looks at ways individual journalists can play their part in overcoming these problems as part of the peace-building process and the advancement of Sri Lankan society. More importantly, it would allow the media to fulfil its role as the watchdog of an informed democratic society. It proposes, as a solution, that journalists strive for increased professionalism using the public service journalism model as the basis for change. The book explains the role of the journalist with particular regard to producing high quality ethical journalism that informs and engages the public – a vital element in the creation of a vibrant democracy. Checklists are useful in changing behaviour by implementing a new practical way of doing work. The checklists that appear throughout the handbook offer ways to ensure high quality ethical journalism that meets the values of public service journalism. The handbook is part of a strategy to encourage the support of journalists, editors and media owners to transform Sri Lanka’s media with the broad support of the community." (How to use this handbook, page 4)
more
"This report presents the findings of the research into journalists’ attitudes towards and experiences of reporting conflict. It includes the results of two media monitoring exercises: the first, how the media has covered conflict; the second, how it performed in the immediate aftermath of the tsu
...
nami. The report also contains case studies of conflict reporting that illustrate the role the media has played. This will help journalists and others learn important lessons from real situations about the impact of our reporting, showing us how it can be improved. These case studies have been woven through a discussion of the issues highlighted by the journalists’ research. Using this, we have provided a snapshot of the situation now and suggestions for how it can be improved. This handbook is intended as a practical reference for journalists and includes a series of questions after each section to promote good practice. These discussion points, together with the specific case studies, can help generate discussion within the newsroom or at a media meeting, or can simply be a focus for journalists to reflect on their work and the work of colleagues." (How to use this book, page 5)
more
"The critical issue is to raise awareness among journalists. There needs to be an awareness of child rights generally but as journalists we must also understand the consequences of our reporting. The way media portray children impacts not only on society’s attitude to children; it also influences
...
the way adults behave. Sensational coverage of abuse and exploitation of children does not tell the full story and, by exploiting a serious problem, can do more harm than good. While sensationalism might catch the attention of the reader and viewer, we must ask ourselves: Does it provide useful information and analysis in a way that can contribute to improving the situation for children? So how do we raise awareness? To answer this we need to look at the way we work as journalists. The IFJ has been working with journalists around the world on the issue. This includes the development of the first international guidelines for journalists covering children’s rights, developed from the experience of journalists from over 50 countries and since endorsed at two world meetings of journalists held in Recife, Brazil, in 1998 and in Seoul, Korea in 2001. As well as commentary on the human rights of children and insights into the problem of child exploitation, this handbook looks at the principles behind journalist’s guidelines and provides practical advice on how to tackle the challenging job of reporting on child protection and child rights." (Foreword)
more