Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
MEDIA coverage on issues involving children must always uphold professional and ethical standards so as to protect the minors’ safety and wellbeing, the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has said.
ZMC’s reaffirmation of commitment to child rights protection and ethical media conduct comes in the wake of extensive coverage on a two-year-child child who was kidnapped but got rescued and eventually reunited with her family in Bulawayo recently.
In a statement, ZMC said journalists and media institutions reporting on matters involving children must put the children’s interests first at all times.
“ZMC emphasises that children constitute a vulnerable group deserving special protection from media practices that may expose them to harm, stigma, exploitation or psychological distress. Media coverage involving minors must, therefore, be guided by professionalism, sensitivity and adherence to established ethical standards.
“The closure of identifying information, images or details that may compromise a child’s safety or wellbeing is inconsistent with ethical journalism practices and the Commission does not condone such,” said ZMC.
The commission said it continues engaging stakeholders in strengthening awareness on responsible reporting and compliance with professional media standards in line with national and international child protection frameworks.
ZMC encourages the public to report any cases of unethical media conduct involving children through the commission’s official communication platforms.
