Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala emphasized the importance of ethics in journalism during a roundtable discussion at the pre-summit of the 7th Pacific Media Summit in Niue. He stated that amidst the influence of social media, it is crucial for media professionals to return to their fundamental responsibilities, with accuracy being paramount.
Moala pointed out that social media allows individuals to share inaccurate information without consequence, which stands in contrast to the expectations placed on mainstream media. He highlighted the necessity of thorough fact-checking, especially when sourcing information from social media platforms, stressing that journalists must be 100% committed to truth.
In today’s environment, he noted that journalists often face severe criticism and attacks on social media when they err. Therefore, he urged those in mainstream media to revisit the foundational principles of ethics and accuracy that have historically guided their work.