AIBD Code of Ethics

Preamble

The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) is an inter-governmental organisation with a vision to create a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy and resource development.

AIBD must set an example to as a trusted guide in training, dialogue and capacity building of broadcasters. As such, AIBD must inspire the media organisations and be a reflection of what we aspire for in an ideal media organisation.

AIBD must earn trust and respect amongst members and partners, acknowledging that the Bangkok Declaration 2003+10 continues to remain valid and relevant to the new themes covering accountability systems for the media, social media, climate change and disasters, empowerment of women and media in countries of conflict and in transition states.

Note: In this document members mean full members as well as affiliate members of AIBD.

Fundamental Principles and Code of Ethics are:

1. We respect cultural and social values, as well as the autonomy of our member countries and regions which has an impact on the changing media environment.
2. The choice of donors or partners shall be based on common purposes and goals. As far as possible, we will involve a range of partners and donors over time and we will retain editorial integrity of our output in training and dialogue.
3. We shall be accountable and transparent and deal fairly and openly with members, partners and suppliers.
4. We shall not divulge confidential information about our partners or members.
5. We shall respect our colleagues, members, affiliates and partners.
6. We will treat our contributors, consultants, trainers and resource persons professionally.
7. We shall strive to set the highest standards of excellence in the tasks of the Institute and constantly try to do better.
8. We shall value the beliefs and opinions of others so that everyone is able to contribute their best in the activities that we undertake.
9. We include plurality into all dialogue opportunities and will not place undue emphasis on race, nationality, language, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious belief, physical or intellectual disabilities.
10. We shall try and resolve conflicts through dialogue and offer co-operation and collaboration.

To ensure we are following the Code of Ethics in a particular situation, the filters we will apply are:

• Is it consistent with the Institute’s policies, procedures and guidelines?
• Is it acceptable under the applicable laws and regulations?
• Does it conform to the universal principles/values the Institute has adopted?
• Does it satisfy my personal definition of right, good and fair?

The filters will work as an integral part of steps in decision-making process. The decision maker applies the above filters to determine if the ethical component(s) of the decision are being surfaced/addressed/satisfied.

• Step 1:  Define the problem -Does the existing situation violate any of the ethical considerations?
• Step 2: Identify available alternative ethical solutions to the problem
• Step 3: Evaluate the identified alternatives -Will the alternative I am considering resolve the policy and ethical violations. Will the alternative being considered create any new ethical considerations? Are the ethical trade-offs acceptable?
• Step 4: Implement and then evaluate the decision