Programs should be presented as a fine mixture of news, entertainment and public service programs
Programs should be presented so as to represent the diverse ideas and views of all sections of the society
It is the responsibility of the communicators to present new information unearthed through constant vigil and research.
Communicators should ensures the quality of the programs and creates an magnanimous impression about the radio service amongst Gemidiriya communities
The outside activities of the communicators must not improperly or unduly influence the programs
Sources of information should be reliable and trustworthy
It is the duty of the communicators not to reveal their sources of information
A communicator is entitled to be a member of a political party or organization. However, active political involvement and commitments may cause problems for the radio. Active political involvement can give rise to questions of impartiality.
A communicator engaged in active politics should promptly inform the Board of Directors of such involvement. Then the BOD should take into account the following considerations in order to settle the matter
The nature and level of political involvement
The extent of involvement in program making and presentation
Considerations that need to be taken on communicator’s involvement in politics:
Can the communicator be identified as a candidate or prospective
Candidate for Parliament, Provincial Council, Municipal or
Urban Council or Pradesheeya Sabha?
Hold office in a political party or organization?
Express his views and ideas in public political platform?
Canvass on behalf of a political party or group or a candidate for election?
If the communicator wishes to maintain the above level of his/her involvement in politics s/he should withdraw from his/her journalistic activities during the period involved.
During election period the radio station is bound to follow the guidelines issued by the Election Commission/Election Commissioner
Program Guidelines
Programs should be produced in an open, transparent manner without any hidden agenda.
Programs should be impartial
There could be not only two but also several sides to a story or event. Thus impartiality means not mathematical balancing by presenting two points of views but presenting diverse dimensions.
Gemidiriya radio shall not express its own views other than those concerning the electronic media including community radios
Factual Programs
A factual program dealing with controversial public policy or matters of political or industrial controversy will meet its commitments to due impartiality if it is to be fair, accurate and maintains a proper respect for truth. When presenting one side of a particular argument the radio should ensure that opposing views are not misrepresented.
News should be presented with due accuracy and impartiality.
Reporting should be dispassionate, wide-ranging and well informed.
In reporting matters of controversy, specially industrial or political controversy, all possible differing views should be presented.
News programs should offer listeners an intelligent and informed account of issues that enables them to form their own views.
In reporting, personal opinions should not be expressed. The word “I” should be used most stingily. There can be no editorializing in broadcast news.
There has to be a clear understanding of the difference between news and views.
The reporting of the news has to be factual, accurate and objective.
News should not be presented by selecting only events or facts that suits the communicator.
Personal view programs
Gemidiriya radio must allow open access to the airwaves for a wide range of individuals or groups to offer a personal view or advance a contentions argument. As such, the following should be carefully considered in presenting personal view programs;
The listeners must be informed in advance that the program contain personal views
Communicators shall ensure that these programs do not seriously misrepresent opposing viewpoints.
Communicators shall provide opportunities to those who wish to respond to the program.
If allegations are levelled against any person or institute, fair opportunity should be allowed to respond
As National Security is top priority in a national emergency or a war situation, media activity may be curtailed. However, it is imperative that accurate facts and information are provided to the listeners who are the owners of this radio in a disaster or calamity it is very important that moods and emotions are taken into consideration.
Coverage of development activities.
In a developing country like Sri Lanka, a special function in broadcasting should be the coverage of development, its significance, achievements and problems.
Development news covers a wide range of activities – economic, technological, social and cultural.
It should not be confined to mere statements and plans but explain there significance.
The news gathering apparatus of the Gemidiriya radio should make a deliberate effort to explore new areas of development and community building news.
People’s participation in such activities should be duly highlighted as also significant work being done voluntarily by individuals and CBOs.
Corruption, wastage, negligence, indolence that beset development work should be revealed and exposed in order to safe guard the taxpayers. In doing so the communicators should act in a very responsible manner without any bias towards or against any person, group or organisation.
