An American journalist Carl Eidsvog once visited Astana. During a meeting held at the Kazmedia Center, a foreign guest said, "When journalism fails, bad things happen." Looking at the recent societal concerns, one wonders if what Mr. Karl said is being echoed in Kazakhstan.
The written and unwritten rules of journalistic ethics and moral values are generally known. Among them, the most important are: providing true information, objectively disseminating news, upholding social responsibility, maintaining professional integrity, respecting privacy, considering public interests, and honoring the dignity of individuals. Here, there are tasks such as verifying information from at least two sources as true, conducting fact checks, and avoiding falsification of data.
Fakes, Fakes, and Fakes
It's no secret that the journalistic community in our country lacks information verification. Especially, they fall into the trap of fakes distributed on various sites. For example, several media outlets reported that a man was found alive under the rubble three months after the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria last year. Some TV channels even broadcasted it as news, citing an unknown Telegram channel as the source. However, none of our colleagues attempted to verify the authenticity of this news. Furthermore, "Factcheck.kz" later fact-checked the mentioned news and found out that it was fake. In fact, the photo of the man found alive three months later appears to have been taken 7 years ago.
Similarly, there was news last year claiming that the fire in the Abay region was the largest on the planet. This was published by several well-known publications, accompanied by a map from the Greenpeace organization. However, "Factcheck.kz" debunked this news, reporting that it was not true. They also contacted Greenpeace, confirming that the displayed map was fake.
In the examples given above, journalistic ethics were violated twice. Both websites and TV channels spread fake news to the audience without checking the accuracy of the information. Additionally, after it became clear that the published materials were not true, they did not apologize to the readers and viewers. While mistakes can happen, media outlets have a responsibility to inform their audience of any errors.
When journalists are mistaken, bloggers are no exception. Activists on social networks such as Tiktok, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram spread various fake information following rumors spread in the internet world. It's easy to trust any of them if you're not sharp-eyed. "Pepsi calls for funding of Israel", "Ronaldo supports Palestine", "Mittal's interview", "Spreading the coronavirus by plane" are all fake news. Unfortunately, bloggers have hundreds of thousands of readers, most, if not all, are easily fooled by such nonsense. Although it has been known for a long time that all this is fake, they are almost apologizing to their followers.
Tabloid Sites on the Rise
Yellow publications, various talk shows, and podcasts that disregard ethics and manners in favor of chasing hype are becoming increasingly prevalent. There are numerous sites that publish information contrary to journalistic ethics. Some platforms focus on scrutinizing the eating and drinking habits of famous personalities and pop stars, criticizing them on social networks. They often engage in talk shows discussing trivial topics, arguing fervently to the point of exhaustion.
Podcasts on YouTube channels frequently feature foul language and discuss explicit content. This is because they believe hype is necessary to maintain audience interest. However, such sensationalized stories are not aligned with journalistic ethics. Moreover, the potential harm they can cause to the younger generation is significant. Young people who are exposed to such content may come to consider it normal, which is concerning.
Recalling an incident from a few years ago, a photo of the famous producer Bayan Maksatovna in the hospital was shared by several sites, sparking a significant uproar. This highlights another issue: some colleagues openly publish videos and pictures that can be distressing for individuals with weak nerves, without providing any warning or censoring. They claim this is what constitutes breaking news. Additionally, there are instances where the names, videos, and photos of individuals who have committed suicide are circulated. Some platforms even feature videos of teenage fights without hesitation. All of these actions contradict the duties of a journalist, including refraining from intruding on personal lives and respecting the honor and dignity of individuals.
Money Changes the Truth?
The global code of journalists universally prohibits reporters from receiving any financial or other benefits from interested parties for the news they broadcast. Even accepting seemingly insignificant rewards, like a pen, is discouraged. It is crucial to maintain a neutral and objective standpoint in news distribution, regardless of the circumstances. However, the troubling trend of writing posts for money is increasingly prevalent.
For instance, consider a scenario where a new leader takes charge of an institution. Prior to their appointment, social media posts praising their abilities flood the internet. They are portrayed as a talented and capable manager who will revolutionize the institution. However, as time passes, there is no significant progress in their work, and the institution remains stagnant.
Similarly, a few years ago, heavy snowfall in Astana led to delays in street cleaning, resulting in numerous complaints from residents. Despite this, bloggers praised the mayor on social media, claiming that snow plowing was proceeding smoothly. Later, it was revealed that they had been paid to promote this false narrative. This incident underscores the recurring issue of individuals being compensated for posts on social networks, a practice that some bloggers openly acknowledge.
Another example is the recent shocking incident involving ex-minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev. This case drew attention to the growing problem of domestic violence in the country, as well as Bishimbaev's previous conviction for corruption and early release. Despite these serious allegations, bloggers and certain journalists took to social media to defend Bishimbaev, attempting to divert attention from his alleged actions. Some even went as far as portraying him as a loving husband. However, it begs the question: can a kind husband resort to violence against his spouse?
In response to these attempts to exonerate Bishimbaev, open-minded and vigilant journalists voiced their concerns on social media. Some called for stricter laws on domestic violence, while others criticized the violation of journalistic ethics. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity and the duty to uphold ethical standards, especially in the face of attempts to manipulate public opinion for personal gain.
The Abyss of Paid Content
The emergence of paid content reflects a concerning trend in which individuals, whether they be officials or wrongdoers, spare no expense in hiring bloggers and journalists to manipulate public opinion. This practice aims to portray them as "whiter than milk, purer than water," regardless of their actions. However, this raises questions about the reliability of those who justify such actions today; can they be trusted not to defend even more egregious crimes in the future? The manipulation of public opinion through social networks poses a significant risk, as those skilled in this art may have ulterior motives.
On the flip side, individuals spreading falsehoods now seek to legitimize their actions through influential bloggers and journalists, aiming to bolster their own image rather than improve the performance of public officials. Consequently, the focus shifts away from societal welfare towards personal reputation enhancement. If individuals continue to profit from writing posts for monetary gain and enhancing their public standing, the effectiveness of quasi-sector and state institutions could be compromised. Furthermore, some individuals may even finance these "writers" using public funds rather than their own resources.
So, what actions can be taken to address this issue? It's a complex question with no easy answers. Strengthening the ethical standards of journalism and reassessing its role and responsibilities may be necessary. Additionally, implementing legal measures such as banning paid posts or mandating the clear labeling of such content could be beneficial. It's worth noting that the Ministry of Information recently issued a special order concerning online platforms, which may offer some solutions to this growing problem. However, addressing the root causes of paid content manipulation will require a concerted effort from various stakeholders in society.
To Trust or Not to Trust
Some of our colleagues advocate for the principle of journalistic neutrality, suggesting that reporters should present both sides of an issue. However, it's essential to understand the concept of impartiality, a standard upheld by representatives of the British media. According to this approach, journalists are not obligated to provide equal weight to each perspective. Robert Fisk, the former Middle East correspondent for The Independent, articulates this stance, emphasizing the importance of siding with the oppressed or victimized party. He argues that in cases such as reporting on historical atrocities like slave ownership or fascist camps, it is unnecessary to seek the perspectives of perpetrators. Instead, the focus should be on telling the stories of the victims.
Recently, a group of young people studying journalism at a prestigious institution voiced their discontent on social media. They lamented that they entered the field of journalism with the intention of advocating for the people but found the older generation prioritizing sensationalism and hype.
"When we chose our profession, we didn't just choose a job. We embraced a life purpose aimed at benefiting society. Above all, we seek to inform and empower our audience...
The current perception of Kazakhstan journalism is marred by data falsification, audience deception, commercial influence, and, most distressingly, the manipulation of public opinion. In such a climate, if journalists abandon moral values, ethics, justice, and objectivity, what can we expect from others?" these young individuals question.
In essence, this debate highlights the tension between journalistic impartiality and advocacy. While some argue for presenting both sides of a story, others, like Fisk, advocate for prioritizing the voices of the oppressed. However, regardless of approach, the core mission of journalism remains to serve the public interest with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to truth.
A Journalist Serves Society
Renowned journalist and public figure Sherkhan Murtaza once likened journalists to camels, describing them as "transferring gold, but eats alhagi." Unfortunately, today, Sheragan's analogy seems to have backfired. There's ample reason to believe that journalists who prioritize sensationalism, manipulate public opinion, and accept payment for their work are tarnishing the integrity of their profession.
Despite evolving times, the essence of journalism remains unchanged. As Ahmet Baitursynuly aptly noted, journalists should continue to serve as the "eyes and ears of the people." Their primary duty is to work for the betterment of society, carrying the weight of responsibility and adhering to ethical standards and discipline.
In conclusion, it's evident that this issue demands special attention. As the saying goes, "If the meat stinks, it's because of the salt. What if the salt stinks?" If journalists, who are meant to be the guardians of truth, are veering away from their responsibility, should they not return to their core principles?