With the aim of safeguarding values and respecting audiences when covering news and events, AZDA TV considers itself obliged to act in accordance with all international and ethical standards of journalistic practice. AZDA TV’s professional standards include the following:
1. Accuracy and fact-based reporting
To protect the integrity and credibility of our journalistic work, we adopt the principle of “Accuracy and fact-based reporting” as the basis for our actions. The core principle of responsible and precise news reporting is to draw a clear distinction between fact and opinion. This is because a fact is a fact regardless of its source, and it differs from proving an opinion. In line with this important principle, we are responsible for always relying on facts in our work above all else and assessing their accuracy. Our approach to obtaining facts and presenting them should be as objective as possible.
2. Protecting a person’s dignity, honor, and reputation
In the course of our work, we strive to ensure that, whether due to inattention or other circumstances, no content that undermines a person’s dignity, honor, or reputation through insulting words and expressions is allowed on air. Although we are obliged to deliver news to the public as it is in reality, we must also remain attentive to people’s sensitivities and customs. Human dignity is of great importance to our network. Our network makes every effort to ensure that no material containing humiliation is published, because we know that the use of insulting words and expressions is not part of professional journalistic ethics.
If it becomes necessary to publish photos or videos that contain scenes of violence or fear, as well as topics that are distressing or degrading, we must warn the audience before broadcasting such reports that the subject matter or images may be disturbing.
3. Language use
The designated language on AZDA TV is modern standard literary Tajik (and Russian). Dialect, vernacular, or street speech is not part of Tajik journalistic standards and style, and it is not used by us either.
We also avoid all words and expressions that are used in the media for the purpose of insult and that are referred to in legal literature as “non-standard lexicon.”
4. Observing balance
AZDA TV, and its journalists in general, must publish diverse views and opinions impartially and without distortion. In accordance with well-known standards, balance of viewpoints must be observed in materials. When publishing photos and text, efforts are made to ensure that the headline and image reflect the meaning of the text and the report. Implementing this standard is necessary for us, because it is one of the key principles for the development of civil society and is considered a main factor in promoting pluralism.
5. Cases of error and mistake
If, in the course of our work, we commit an error (of any magnitude), we must promptly and openly acknowledge it and correct it. If, due to an error, we publish a piece that is unfair and results in a complaint, we must explain our mistake and replace it with correct information. We must also apologize for any major error, especially if our mistake has resulted in insult, harm to dignity and reputation, or distress to an individual or a group.
6. Neutrality and impartiality
Neutrality and impartiality are among the fundamental standards of professional journalistic ethics. Therefore, AZDA TV staff are obliged, when preparing articles, news, and reports, to review and publish diverse opinions, positions, viewpoints, and hypotheses impartially, without a personal stance or a group or ethnic bias. Of course, in preparing such materials, they must act with impartiality. In our view, impartiality and objectivity mean that, when preparing content and publishing diverse opinions, no artificial preference is given to one view over another in the arrangement of the text, and that all opinions and views are reflected equally, without any form of self-interest. We are also obliged to publish diverse opinions and positions without distortion. The network never permits excessive rewording, rearranging words, or distorting the truth in a way that changes the meaning of an idea or opinion.
If a need arises, or if an assessment or judgment is required on an issue, neutrality does not prevent us from making a judgment. On the contrary, it enables us to judge more accurately.
The network’s journalists, in the course of their professional activity, must not come under the influence of individuals or specific groups, and they must not give preference to any social group. They must also try not to enter into disputes and conflict situations and refrain from participating in conflictual relationships.
7. Fairly holding to account
Based on the principle of “pluralism,” the network has the right to invite any group or faction, regardless of their political and social positions, to speak on its programs or to seek their views. The network’s programs invite not only free thinkers and representatives of civil society, but we also hold government representatives and their opponents to account. We consider it our professional right to fairly hold all segments of society to account, regardless of their position or orientation.
8. Polling
We must be cautious and precise in polls, questionnaires, and voting among our audience. It is very important to properly assess the methods of data collection and to report the results in precise language and with clear explanations. Our audience must be able to trust our research and reports.
9. Social networks
It is necessary for our network’s staff, when present in public gatherings or on social networks, to support the network’s position when expressing opinions or publishing material and to take its views into account. They must not publish on social networks any material that is not compatible with the network’s requirements.
AZDA TV journalists must also use social networks responsibly and remain committed to all principles and professional journalistic ethics set out in this guide (that is, accuracy and fact-based reporting, protecting a person’s dignity and reputation, and so on). Responsibility for materials they publish on social networks rests with them.
AZDA TV journalists may publish their own and others’ opinions on social networks, provided that they do not violate the network’s principles and rules. AZDA TV journalists, wherever they are, must also exercise caution and apply the principle of “neutrality” in conflicts and in group and party positions.