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Those who have been growing used to the absurd will feel at ease in these times of ours.....

Journalistic rules, often referred to as journalistic ethics or principles, provide guidelines for reporters and news organisations to uphold professional standards in their work. Of course, digitalization and the News-Circle 7/24 have led to some worrying changes, but I still stubbornly stick to the rules I learned many years ago. I don't think it's even necessary to point out to you that I don't accept assignments from yellow press, gossip news, celebrity rumours under any circumstances. Never! These journalistic rules serve as a foundation for ethical journalism, guiding reporters and news organisations in their mission to inform the public and uphold democratic values.
Here are some key journalistic rules:

1. Accuracy: Journalists have a responsibility to report information accurately and truthfully. This includes verifying facts, cross-checking sources, and correcting any errors promptly.
2. Objectivity: Journalists should strive to maintain impartiality and avoid bias in their reporting. They should present multiple viewpoints on a story and refrain from expressing personal opinions or promoting particular agendas.
3. Fairness: Journalists should treat all individuals and groups mentioned in their reporting with fairness and respect. This includes giving them the opportunity to respond to allegations or criticisms made against them.
4. Independence: Journalists should operate independently from outside influences, such as advertisers, political parties, or special interests. They should resist pressure to distort or censor their reporting to serve external agendas.
5. Transparency: Journalists should be transparent about their methods, sources, and any conflicts of interest that may arise in their reporting. This helps to build trust with their audience and maintain accountability.
6. Sensitivity: Journalists should exercise sensitivity and discretion when reporting on sensitive topics such as crime, tragedy, or personal matters. They should consider the potential impact of their reporting on individuals and communities.
7. Privacy: Journalists should respect individuals' right to privacy and avoid intruding into their personal lives without a compelling public interest. They should obtain consent before publishing personal information or images.
8. Diversity and Inclusion: Journalists should strive to represent the diversity of society in their reporting, including diverse perspectives, voices, and experiences. They should avoid stereotypes and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
9. Accountability: Journalists should be accountable for their actions and decisions. They should be open to feedback and criticism from their audience and colleagues, and they should be willing to correct mistakes and learn from them.
10. Public Interest: Journalists should prioritise the public interest in their reporting, providing information that is relevant, useful, and meaningful to their audience. They should seek to empower their audience with knowledge and foster informed public debate.