Don't dishonour fairness and truth telling

These days one can hardly turn a corner or move the dial on the radio without hearing some complaints against the media's failure to abide by the rules of engagement: fairness, accuracy and respect of the code of ethics. It is said, among other things, that it is all too common to boldly malign an individual in a front-page newspaper article and when the said article is shown to have been incorrect and inappropriate you offer an apology in a small corner at the back of the newspaper in an area cluttered by adverts. This; if true offends against the principle of fairness and proportionality.

Other problems, often mentioned by members of the public relates to sensationalist and irresponsible reporting, failure to verify facts and publication of inaccuracies. It seems to me that the media, long used to being the questioner, the scrutiniser and the chronicler are now coming under intense questioning and scrutiny by the public.