31 The Java Post fired Rizal Husein after discovering the falsification of his report. The
editors apologized for what happened on the front page of the newspaper. Rizal Husein claimed that he did not have bad intentions; he simply wanted the Java Post to be the
best at covering terrorism.
4. Independence
As much as possible, journalists must be independent. Journalists should not act out of fear or pressure, or because of conflicts of interest. However, in many cases, some
journalists have never been able to be truly independent – perhaps their boss is
powerful and rich, or they have a relative who is in a powerful position. Or if their outlet is funded by a foreign donor, can they claim to be independent?
Sometimes journalists can be independent of political influence, but are not free from business interests. Kompas, for example, is owned by the Gramedia Group, while Metro
is owned by Surya Paloh, who is not just a businessman but is now a political figure, too.
Bill Kovach offers a solution to this dilemma: if journalists or media outlets have conflicts of interest, or can be perceived to have conflicts of interest, they are required to give full
disclosure about their relationship.
This is to ensure that readers are aware that there is the possibility that what they are reading is not truly independent.
5. Monitor Power and Give Voice to the Voiceless
Journalists function as oversight for the government and other strong institutions. The press’ existence encourages officials and leaders to do the right thing and use their
power well. Journalists thus give voice to the voiceless and the powerless.
6. Public Forum
Whatever media form they use, journalists create a forum where they can remind the public what is important. This enables people to evaluate the news and develop their
own opinions on an issue.
7. Engagement and Relevance
Journalists must be able to make news stories as interesting and as relevant as possible to ensure they are read, watched, and listened to. Audiences will remain
interested as long as the writing is good.
8. Make the News Comprehensive and Proportional
Sensationalistic and emotional headlines do not make for good news. News must be proportional and comprehensive, covering all of the facts and bringing different
elements of the story together into one coherent narrative.
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9. Have a Conscience
