Journalists have various ethical obligations, both to society as a whole and to various individuals with whom they have professional contact. An obvious one is the undertaking that journalists make to confidential sources of information to keep their identity secret. Equally journalists undertake to use honest and legal methods to gather the news.

The idea that journalists have a broader social responsibility flows out of the notion that it is not just a job, but an exercise of the right to freedom of expression – a crucial human right that is essential to the functioning of democracy. Certain other obligations flow from this social responsibility.

It is crucial, for example, that journalism be original and not derivative. Too often inaccurate observations become widely disseminated through repetition. This is something where well-established and reputable media houses are often as blameworthy as those that are small and ill-resourced. Journalists often use cuttings libraries – or latterly the Internet – and reproduce claims that they are unable to substantiate.

Good journalists exercise responsibility in the way they report damaging allegations against individuals or social groups. They give those affected the chance to respond, creating a balanced and non-inflammatory report. They are aware of the potential impact of their reports. At worst inflammatory media reports can cause protests or violence. Inaccurate reporting may swing the outcome of an election.

Journalists are honest. They do not accept bribes or other inducements in exchange for writing something favourable about a politician or other prominent individual. In election reporting, they take care in the way they accept, for example, offers of transport from political parties. A good journalist will always make it clear that he or she is not aligned with a political party.