Veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala emphasized the need for journalists to adhere to ethical standards, especially in light of the significant influence social media has on traditional media. Speaking at a roundtable discussion prior to the 7th Pacific Media Summit in Niue, he highlighted the importance of journalists returning to fundamental principles, particularly accuracy.
Mr. Moala pointed out the ease with which misinformation can spread on social media, stating, “On social media, people can post inaccurate stuff and get away with it, but it’s different with the mainstream media.” He stressed the critical need for fact-checking, urging journalists to ensure their commitment to truth is unwavering when sourcing information from social platforms.
He noted that maintaining these ethical standards can help mitigate the negative impacts of social media. Furthermore, Mr. Moala observed that journalists often face public backlash on social media when they err, making it imperative for those in mainstream media to emphasize ethics and accuracy in their work.