III.4. THE ACCURACY AND VERIFICATION
Any information in a report must be verified and completely
accurate. It is a basic principle of journalism. This requires in all
circumstances, and particularly during an election period, a very large
professional rigor. The journalist must seek the truth and report more
comprehensively as possible in exercising his critical spirit which requires
checking everything orderly. To be considered reliable, information must meet
the following conditions:
a) This information can be transmitted via stories:
· On the work of governmental or civil society
organizations specialized in electoral education.
· Canadian citizens to verify that they have understood
the different aspects of the electoral process and/or to highlight the aspects
on which awareness is still necessary.
The transmission of this information assumes a serious work of
preparation beforehand by the journalist.
III.5. THE ACCURACY AND VERIFICATION
Any information in a report must be verified and completely
accurate. It is a basic principle of journalism. This requires in all
circumstances, and particularly during an election period, a very large
professional rigor. The journalist must seek the truth and report more
comprehensively as possible in exercising his critical spirit which requires
checking everything methodically. To be considered reliable, information must
meet the following conditions:
a) Information based on verified facts
· If ensure that information is not made, false or
misleading. Manipulation, misinformation and spreading rumors are common
practices in election period. Never assume that the information given is true.
It must always be checked cutting it with other sources.
If in doubt, preferably remain cautious and refrain. Never use
conditional which is the negation of a fact.
· The accuracy requirement applies to all the elements of
the story: the facts, dates, places, quotes, etc. A gross error on only basic
information may call into question the reliability of a story in the eyes of
the public.
· If the journalist travels account, or if it is informed
by the candidate concerned, that information he used is inaccurate, it must
correct it quickly and in the same conditions as those of its dissemination.
(b) information whose origin is known
· Mention sources as much as possible. Simply answer the
question: "Who speaks?" and indicate the name and title of the person
(candidate, party leader, militant associations' responsible for or ordinary
citizen) at the origin of the hearsay information.
· An electoral story built solely on anonymous sources is
considered as a suspect and unreliable. It is prohibited in all cases.
· Always ask the reasons for which a person seeks
anonymity, in particular whenever there is a new character delicate or likely
to affect the reputation of a person, a candidate or a party. With relevance to
evaluate his reasons. If they appear to be legitimate (example: the safety of
the informant may be endangered), it is necessary to take the in - training
into account. But the journalist must get confirmation from other independent
sources before using it. Protect a source must never lead to report rumors or
unfounded accusations.
b) accurate and relativized information
· Be specific. If the journalist covers a rally, should
describe the place, the Organization, topics covered in the speech and the
reactions of the public.
· The rule of thumb of any information should answer the
questions: who? What? When? Where to? Why?
· The approximation can be a source of distortion of the
facts. For example, if the journalist says or writes "candidate X's speech was
very applauded", this sentence has not the same meaning depending on whether
the public is composed of activists of the candidate or even ordinary citizens
come to learn.
In the first case, the applause was predictable while in the
second case, this may mean that the candidate has convinced of undecided
voters.
· Reliability can never be guaranteed 100%.
An error is still possible. It is therefore necessary, when
the journalist makes a report, to be always much nuanced and never making a
final judgment. Discuss his work with modesty and rigor is the best way not to
commit any errors.
· Maintain its sound or visual recordings including
providing evidence of what is reported.
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