Informed Consent: Cornerstone of Ethical Humanitarian Reporting
By M. Antoinette Jerom, November 27, 2021
The first panel discussion of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk’s webinar, Journalism in a Fragmented World, was graced with the presence of three renowned panellists: Jacqueline Fernandez of ICRC Myanmar, Shay Cullen of Preda Foundation, Philippines, and Kalpana Sharma, an independent journalist and author. They shared their on-the-job experiences and opinions in relation to the topic ‘Ethics in Humanitarian Reporting.’
The forum opened with presentations from the panellists. Defining humanitarian reporting or journalism as “production and distribution of factual accounts of crises, events and issues relating to human welfare,” Kalpana said that it was perennial, and does not emerge only when there is a crisis. Jacqueline proposed three points to ponder when writing a story: tell the story with empathy; tell the story with a sense of humanity; and ensure the story you are telling does no harm to the people that you are speaking about.
Journalists should be able to put themselves in the position of those whose condition they are trying to understand and write about. They should write from the perspective of the circumstances and the experiences of the people whom they are reporting about. Humanity should be the nucleus of everything journalists do.
Informed consent of individuals or community is of utmost importance and cannot be compromised. The people have a right to say ‘No’, to know about the reporters and what they intend to do; why they are being interviewed or photographed; why certain questions are posed, and how the information gathered will be utilised.
One way to communicate the importance of their consent and show that their approval is valued, is to show the photograph taken, or the story that is to be published about them. This fosters a relationship of mutual respect and trust between journalists and the community.
If children are being photographed, the permission of their parents or guardian should be obtained; this is basic ethics. A visual is a story. It can educate and challenge people, but it should be obtained in a dignified manner. Rather than focussing on visuals of the languishing, starving and ragged child to evoke sympathy of the viewers and raise funds, using visuals of children that depict hope, joy and resilience are just as effective, and more respectful of the subject’s humanity and dignity.
SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk and LICAS News Asia are the organisers of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Fellowship Programme on the theme “Journalism in a Fragmented World,” a seven-week programme for lay Catholic and like-minded journalists working in the secular media. Offered virtually, the seven-week webinar brings together 25 selected participants from 14 countries to build capacity and promote exchange among media professionals and journalists who want to use their platform for social change. Programme details: https://www.signisasia.net/journalism-in-a-fragmented-world-webinar-2021/