Media Release

30 November 2012


International Backing for Inquiry's Call for Journalists' Conscience Clause

A major report on the ethics of the press in the UK has backed proposals by the National Union of Journalists for the UK and Ireland (NUJ) to give journalists a conscience clause in their contracts to allow them to refuse to undertake unethical work.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have joined together to give their support to the proposals and to call on the concept to be given high priority as steps are taken to establish a new regulatory regime.

The proposals are included in a major report by Lord Justice Leveson as part of an independent inquiry into improper practices within the media, including allegations of phone hacking and other criminal practices.

The NUJ, an IFJ and EFJ affiliate, had called on the judge to recommend a new regulatory regime following the failure of the British Press Complaints Commission to maintain high standards.

In his report, which runs to four volumes and 2000 pages, Leveson states that he was "struck by the evidence of journalists who felt that they might be put under pressure to do things that were unethical or against the code. I therefore suggest that the new independent self-regulatory body should establish a whistle-blowing hotline and encourage its members to ensure that journalists' contracts include a conscience clause protecting them if they refuse." 

IFJ President and NUJ member Jim Boumelha welcomed the backing of the conscience clause by the judge: "The NUJ's evidence to the inquiry made clear the enormous pressures facing many journalists. In too many cases journalists face the choice of either undertaking work with which they are not comfortable or face the prospect of losing their job. The power lies with owners and editors. If we want journalists to stand up for ethical journalism, they need to be given the confidence to abide by their union's code of conduct and to say no without fear of disciplinary procedures."

"I would urge the new regulatory body to take these elements of the Leveson report very seriously indeed."

Conscience clauses can already be found as standard in many collective agreements in Europe. EFJ President Arne König added: "I congratulate the NUJ on achieving a significant victory in its campaign for a conscience clause. Following this clear recommendation, we would urge media companies to negotiate with the NUJ to put in place provisions that will help working journalists to live up to high ethical standards."

For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 members in 134 countries

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PFUJ condemns attempt on senior journalist’s life

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed its serious concern over the discovery of a bomb under the vehicle of senior journalist Hamid Mir on Monday (November 26, 2012).

According to media reports, a bomb placed under Hamid Mir’s car failed to go off. Mir is host of the popular programme Capital Talk aired on Geo TV. Geo News reported that Hamid Mir had gone to a market in his car and after returning home, the driver spotted a suspicious bag lying under his car. The bomb disposal squad was immediately called in to remove the bag after which it was revealed that the bag contained half a kg of explosive material. The explosives reportedly did not detonate due to faulty wiring.

In a statement, PFUJ Secretary General Amin Yousuf said, “such acts amounted to silencing those who support freedom of expression. But media would never be silenced.” “There has been a surge in attacks on the media which is a deplorable trend. It is the responsibility of the government to provide protection to journalists who strived to provide true facts to the people without any biases.” The PFUJ called upon the government to nab those involved in such heinous acts.

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