It has been over four years since I joined OpIndia as a journalist. I came with a basic understanding of the field and a lot of experience in researching content, as I had worked as a freelance writer for almost five years before getting a full-time job. Becoming a journalist taught me many things that can only come from experiencing the day-to-day struggles. We read about ethics, laws, and rules, but this job is not just about those. There is a lot more, a deeper meaning, to being in this profession.
Being a journalist is not just about gathering information. It is an art, a responsibility, and often a moral conundrum. The job of a journalist demands skills that are not limited to writing. You can have good grammar, but if you do not know how to tell the story while meeting all the requirements, the world will chew you up in seconds.
Every single task of a journalist requires the ability to dig into history, find sources that go beyond media reports or what you see on social media, decipher the legal language of those sources, speak with people from all walks of life, and sometimes make tough ethical choices about which information to reveal or withhold. There is always a moment when you want to tell the world the story as it is, with all the details, without holding back, but the law and ethics will restrict your pen.
Why am I writing this piece? I want to talk about why special skills and a strong mind are necessary to make the choices that are essential. The skills you gain and the choices you make shape the responsible journalist within you, within the framework of ethics and the law. Stepping outside it means walking on a landmine that will blow you up sooner rather than later.
Investigative skills – The cornerstone of journalism
One of the first lessons a journalist needs to learn is the art of investigation. You must remember that every report out there, everything written in media reports and on social media, comes with a bias. The person who has written it has an ideological bias. Interestingly, you, being the journalist on the investigating side, also have the same. Thus, it is essential to look for the actual source. Go for a copy of a complaint, a video statement, or the First Information Report (FIR), if available. It is essential not to rely solely on news reports.
Finding the FIR is one of the most basic yet difficult tasks that a journalist has to undertake. FIRs are mostly public documents that you can access from State Police websites. I wish there were a central system to access them, but I cannot be choosy. Journalists have to work with what is available. Furthermore, it is not always possible to find the right FIR in one go if you do not know the FIR number. Good contacts and a good rapport with the police go a long way, especially when it comes to FIRs that are not uploaded due to their sensitive nature.
Accessing FIRs requires both technical skills and patience to navigate bureaucratic hurdles. If you know the right sources and have the required skills to gain access to this first document detailing the case, you have passed the first step. One thing you need to remember is that everyone has a right to privacy. If you are going to share FIR details in the report, ensure you do not mention addresses, phone numbers, identification markings, and change names if you feel it is necessary to do so.
For instance, I recently did an exclusive report for OpIndia. When I went through the case details, even though the victim was an adult male, it felt essential to keep the victim’s identity hidden to ensure his safety. If you are unsure about it, ask your editor or feel free to consult the victim. Sensitive cases need to be handled with care to avoid any legal issues in the future.
Similarly, court documents provide invaluable insights into the case. If you are covering a matter whose judgment has been passed, try to get hold of the judgment, read it, understand it, and then write the report. No news report, even from portals that specifically cover court proceedings, will be able to provide the details that court documents have.
The best part of the Indian judicial system is that the majority of judgments are uploaded within 24 working hours. Interestingly, you can find old judgments too, which can provide valuable information about past cases. For instance, the Allahabad High Court judgment in the Ram Janmabhoomi case is available under a separate section on the court’s website. The same goes for the 2019 judgment in the same case. It gives a wider perspective when you read the judgments, as they provide arguments from both sides and reasons for how the judge(s) came to their conclusions.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is yet another powerful tool for journalists to conduct research. Using the RTI portal, you can get a lot of information and data directly from the government. It helps in providing an unbiased approach to the work done by the government or, in some cases, crucial information about historical events.
For instance, there was a lot of discussion about the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the farmers’ protests. With the help of RTI, I obtained information for an exclusive report on OpIndia, which showed that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, substantially increased MSP over time, fulfilling the promise to increase the income of farmers. The report can be checked here.
Talking to people – The human element
Interviews are the lifeblood of journalism. It is of utmost importance to speak to people, if possible, while working on a report. It adds depth and nuance to a story. However, speaking to people comes with challenges. In many stories, especially those involving minors or marginalised communities, journalists have to be extra sensitive and tactful.
Take the example of cases of Love Jihad. It is a controversial topic and is often deemed “propaganda” of the Hindutva sect, despite the fact that there is a lot of evidence available to support its existence. In such cases, journalists have to be particularly careful while revealing the identity of female victims, as it could lead to harassment and social ostracism. Here, while ethics demand that we anonymise names and details, in many cases, revealing the identity is necessary.
For example, in the case of Shraddha Walker’s murder, giving a face to the victim was important. However, when we were covering the case, I personally did not like the way her name and history were being made public. But in the end, it was important to highlight how Aaftab Amin Poonawalla, the accused in this case, made her life hell for years before ultimately killing her in 2022. I recently checked the case status and found that there have been over 120 hearings in the case. It is still at the stage of witness examination. Shraddha was killed on 18th May 2022. In five months, the incident will mark three years. Even if Aaftab gets convicted by then, he will still have many legal pathways to pursue, including appealing to higher courts. Justice for Shraddha could take decades, and as a journalist, I cannot do much in the case other than report what is happening.
Did you know? There have been over 120 hearings in the Shraddha Walkar murder case, currently at the stage of witness examination. Shraddha was brutally killed on 18th May 2022. Her dismembered body was stored in a newly purchased fridge and discarded across Delhi. Aaftab Amin…
— Anurag (@LekhakAnurag) December 20, 2024
The ethics of journalism
When covering a case, it is the journalist’s job not to sensationalise it. However, in today’s times, not a single report out there is without sensationalism. While it is the responsibility of the journalist(s) involved in the investigation to ensure the essence of the case does not get overshadowed by the sensational parts, it is becoming harder every day not to create an uproar and simply move on with the report.
A flat report has no value, and I am serious about it. A flat report adds to the narrative only if the readers engage and start discussions about the topic. This happens in some cases, but eliciting a response from readers in an age where everyone is surrounded by distractions is not an easy task. It sometimes pushes journalists to add clickbait titles and sensational subheadings to reports, which may be acceptable in some cases but not always.
No matter which book on journalism ethics you pick, it will always tell you to withhold your emotions, prejudices, ideology, and biases while writing reports. But is it possible to do so? No, it is not. Pick any report from any publication, and it will have some ideological leaning. For example, OpIndia will always advocate for Hindu causes, while The Wire will always speak against them. This ideological difference exists, and one cannot afford to be an ostrich about it. Embracing it, however, is the best way to move forward.
The ethics of journalism also discuss withholding certain information when necessary. For example, if you publish every salacious detail of a crime, it is possible that your report will affect the trial or endanger witnesses. Media trials can also have long-lasting consequences. Remember the Sarabjeet Singh case? An AAP worker accused him of harassing her, and the media trial ruined his life. He was acquitted of the case but not before earning the title “Dilli Ka Darinda.” The itch to sensationalise the case ruined Singh’s life, and not a single news channel came forward to apologise to him.
Similarly, revealing operational details during terror attacks, as seen during the Kargil war and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, can aid perpetrators and endanger lives. It was only after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that the government issued guidelines prohibiting news channels from running live reports of ongoing operations.
Indian laws – The guiding framework
Several Indian laws govern the ethical and legal boundaries of journalism. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, mandates strict confidentiality of minor victims’ identities. Sections 72 and 73 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalise the disclosure of rape victims’ identities, ensuring their dignity and safety.
The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, lay down dos and don’ts for broadcasting sensitive content. Adherence to these laws is not optional; it is the bedrock of ethical journalism.
Why ethics and laws matter
Journalists are often accused of bias or insensitivity, and sometimes the criticism is valid. However, adhering to ethical guidelines and legal frameworks helps maintain public trust. In a democracy, the media serves as the fourth pillar, holding the powerful accountable and giving voice to the voiceless. But this role comes with immense responsibility. The decisions journalists make when it comes to revealing or withholding information can shape public opinion, impact lives, and even influence policy.
A fine balance
It is a general belief that journalism is about uncovering the truth. Yes, that is true, but it has to be done with utmost responsibility. The skills of investigation, the empathy to interact with people sensitively, and the wisdom to navigate ethical and legal boundaries form the essence of this profession. In an era of rampant misinformation and clickbait, these principles are more important than ever.
The next time you read a detailed report or watch an investigative piece, remember there is a team behind it that made a lot of effort and choices. Behind every story, the journalist(s) involved must walk a tightrope of ethics, laws, and responsibilities as they strive to present information without causing harm.
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