students who posted in advance last April 30 to May 1 will be credited for their posts under this 2nd review and do not have to submit another commentary such as:
From Leodovina Ramirez, Themes: Accuracy & Accountability
“Everyone rejoiced when Mary Jane Veloso has been spared from execution. However, on April 29, 2015, the Philippine Daily Inquirer flagged its headline “Death came before dawn” above the photograph of Veloso taken a week before her scheduled execution. Though the entirety of the article does not directly state that Veloso had already been killed, the headline itself misled its readers.
“According to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, journalists should “verify information before releasing it.” Apparently, the said newspapers did not anticipate the last-minute reprieve of Veloso. As cited in Coconuts Manila, someone from PDI’s pre-press department said that editorials and headline stories are usually submitted and processed for printing by 11:30 p.m. Hence, the first printed edition still assumed that the Indonesian government won’t back down from their decision to execute Veloso along with the other eight drug convicts.
“Even so, it is also important to note that the PDI admitted its mistake and released a statement of apology (via Twitter) about its erroneous headline. Moreover, the said newspaper promised that they will “revamp” their newsroom processes to better serve its readers. Although, I think that such a huge mistake, which could have worsened the agony of the Filipino people and Veloso’s family, deserves a bigger apology in a more highlighted space, rather than just through a post in a social networking site.”
From Mel Aguiar, Ethical Concern: Accuracy
“The supposed to be celebratory front- page headline gush of the reprieve of Mary Jane Veloso from execution on the country’s three broadsheets (Inquirer, Star and Manila Bulletin) last April 29, 2015 was lambasted by citizens and netizens alike due to inaccurate and irresponsible reportage which the Society of Philippine Journalists’ (SPJ) code under “Seek truth and report it” deems unethical. Here are excerpts of the post by Coconuts Manila.com (retrieved from: http://manila.coconuts.co/2015/04/29/look-headlines-three-leading-newspapers) on the issue:
“Inquirer ‘kills’ Mary Jane Veloso, plus a look at Bulletin’s and Star’s headlines
“ “To assume is to make an ass of you and me.”
As most of us know by now — some as early as 2am — Mary Jane Veloso got a stay of execution at the 11th hour from Indonesia following a request from President Noynoy Aquino for Veloso to testify in a case in the Philippines against her alleged recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio.
But that didn’t stop Philippine Daily Inquirer from reporting that “only a miracle could have saved her” as “twelve sharpshooters were assigned to each of the nine convicts, all aiming at his and her heart at the distance of five to 10 meters.” The paper’s headline: “Death came before dawn.”
“Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star were more circumspect.
“ “No delay in execution,” was the first headline that Manila Bulletin ran, as the story led with how Indonesia denied PNoy’s second appeal (which was true as of press time). It subsequently updated it to “We’re hoping for a miracle” and finally, “Veloso granted reprieve”.
“Among the three major newspapers, Star had the safest headline, “Screaming for mercy.” It opened its report with a neutral paragraph: “A smidgen of hope welled up in the hearts of relatives of Mary Jane Veloso after Indonesia’s president called his Cabinet for a meeting but until last night, the Indonesian government continued preparing for a midnight execution.”
Clearly, the inaccurate front- page headlines of Inquirer, Star and Manila Bulletin has violated SPJ’s Code of Ethics under the section of “Seek Truth and Report it” within the following premises:
“Journalists should:
– Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
– Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.
– Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story.
“Such errors were attributed to the standard operations of the publications. According to Inquirer’s pre- press department, Deadline for editorial to submit material to its printing press, he says, is usually 11:30pm. The second edition which is distributed on newsstands is plated at 12:15 a.m.
“Again, if we refer to the SPJs code of ethics section on “Seek Truth and Report it” which fosters accurate information, a journalist should “Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story”. They should have considered that the death toll of Mary Jane Veloso if pushed through by Indonesian President, Joko Widodo commences at 1:00 a.m. PST (midnight in Indonesia). Albeit the strict implementation of a publication’s operation, it is arguably still not sound to report and publish such information without the confirmation and official release of information by the Indonesian government.
“The three newspapers’ irresponsible release of unverified and inaccurate information for the sake of “the big scoop” was a massive outrage that subjects the print media industry to the scrutiny of the public. They did not just kill Mary Jane on their headlines, but the spirit of the masses beaming with hope who offered prayers and collective action which lead to a battle won among Filipinos and victims of social injustices around the world. Like the cliche’ saying goes, “anticipation kills”. In this case, it literally did.”
From Jude Valdez, Accuracy and Accountability
“The headlines of the country’s three leading newspaper were caught attention last Wednesday April 29.
Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted “Death came before dawn”.
Manila Bulletin quoted “No delay in execution”.
Philippine Star are the safest headline quoted “Screaming for mercy”
“As their front page headline assuming her death already. The headline issue occur by the last minute execution reprieve for Mary Jane Veloso.
“In the Society of Professional Journalist Code of Ethics, Journalist should have the responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
“For this matter, the three leading newspaper are not following this mainly because of the time constraints of the news published last Wednesday. Accuracy is very important, although editorial has a deadline to submit a newsworthy material to the printing press, “Accuracy is still important”. They should create another version for their subscribers and for the newsstand. Obviously there are mistakes and errors in this matter.
“In the Society of Professional Journalist Code of Ethics, Journalist should acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections an clarifications carefully and clearly.
“A good thing is that the Philippine Daily Inquirer make a statement regarding the issue and acknowledge their mistakes.
“PDI Statement
In our April 29, 2015 issue, the Philippine Daily Inquirer ran an erroneous headline. We deeply regret the aggravation this may have caused Mary Jane Veloso’s family.
Our mobile, radio, social, and web platforms were able to report Mary Jane’s last minute reprieve. We promise our readers tto do a better job. We are revamping newsroom processes to better inform and serve our readers and stakeholders.
We share in the nation’s joy: Mary Jane lives!”
“PDI made a good job regarding the issue but they admit the mistakes and error they’ve done. Still they’re being accountable and transparent and know their ethics because of the quick correction and respond regarding the issue.”
From kitkot: “The headline of this article from interaksyon is an exaggeration of the unfortunate event last April 29, 2014. The headline says “World angry over indonesia’s execution of 7 foreign drug convicts”. According to SPJ code of ethics 2014, the number 1 rule is to seek truth and report it. It further emphasizes that journalists should “provide context -take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting previewing or summarizing a story.” this article has indeed violated this code for several reasons. In the body of the article only few countries were mentioned such as brazil, australia and france and philipppines. Four countries don’t make up the whole world. In other words, it doesnt event make a 10% of the world. This exaggeration is very unethical and misleads people. In addition, it states that “brazilian government expressed its deep dismay”. Clearly, dismay is a very different word from anger, therefore this article misinterpret this kind of context. Again, the journalist in not very cautious in interpreting facts, making him a violator of the SPJ code of ethics.”
From irish talusan: Topic: Accuracy
“On April 23, TV Patrol aired a report by Jasmin Romero on an interview with Mary Jane Veloso’s recruiter Kristina Sergio. I would just like to commend this story because ever since the news about Mary Jane exploded, I have been keeping updates from news organizations on when will they air the side of the recruiter who allegedly trick Mary Jane into carrying the drugs.
“So far, ABS-CBN was the first one to have a whole news item dedicated for Sergio to air her side. This opened the discourse and gave people what to think about. I believe this covers the Philippine Journalist’s Code of Ethics one recognizing “The duty to air the other side” and if I may add, it should be as soon as possible.”
From Ralph Jake Wabingga: “It was a surprise when the Indonesian government give a reprieve to Mary Jane Veloso’s execution but what was more surprising were the headlines of the newspapers that day, April 29.
