1. Introduction
The Media and Migration Association (MMA) declares its commitment to journalistic ethics and the production of accurate, impartial information through this publication and content policy document. MMA is dedicated to combating discrimination, hate speech, and disinformation in all its publications and content shares.
MMA has been working its activities with the aim of creating and maintaining an objective, pluralistic, inclusive, participatory, and human rights-focused media and data-driven journalism perspective on migration since its establishment. MMA consistently prioritizes public interest, human rights, and ethical principles in its journalistic activities. MMA adheres to the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists and the principles of the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) in the content and publications it produces. MMA fully embraces the 16 articles of the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists. In this regard, MMA is committed to combating all forms of misinformation, misleading and fake news, disinformation, hate speech, and discriminatory content that violates media ethics. Through this policy, MMA aims to ensure the quality and reliability of content produced on digital platforms and all media channels, based on the universal principles of journalistic ethics and respect for human rights.
This policy paper outlines all the procedures, principles, and content production processes of MMA's news and content creation. MMA aims to set an exemplary model and advocates for a media approach and sense of mission to social justice and peace, equality, and human rights by ensuring the implementation of these policies.
This policy paper is implemented by the decision of the Executive Board. It is reviewed annually and updated in coordination with MMA's editor and content production team. All updates must be approved by the Executive Board.
2. Content Production and Publication Principles
- Accuracy and Precision: Journalists may not always be able to guarantee the "truth," but the core principle of journalism is to seek accuracy. MA is committed to accuracy and provides all relevant information accessible on the subjects and topics being covered. The accuracy of all collected data is checked, the reliability of data sources is ensured, and the information is verified in the content production process. If the information or data cannot be verified, this is explicitly stated in the content, and necessary measures are taken to prevent the spread of disinformation and misinformation.
- Independence: MMA operates as an independent voice in its content and news, without acting formally or informally on behalf of private, political, or commercial interests. In the content production and publishing processes, any situations that could create political ties, financial benefits, or conflicts of interest are avoided, and necessary measures are taken to prevent such occurrences.
- Responsibility: The social effect of the content produced is considered, and actions are taken with a sense of responsibility towards society. MMA is diligent, accurate, and neutral in publishing the information it obtains. It operates with the awareness that content creation can have a direct effect on human lives, this responsibility is shaped by the professional ethical principles of journalism. MMA legally uses freedom of the press to serve the public’s right to accurate news and information and opposes all forms of censorship and self-censorship. MMA’s foremost responsibility is to the truth, which takes precedence over any responsibility to public authorities. This responsibility also applies to its digital platform content.
- Impartiality: Every story has at least two perspectives. Although it may not be mandatory to present every side of each piece of content, the approach to content creation should be balanced and comprise context. Objectivity may not always be possible, nor is it always desirable (for instance, in cases involving discrimination, hate, violence, or crimes against humanity), yet impartial news and content production should foster trust and credibility. MMA ensures that every content produced approaches the subject matter from a data-driven, multidimensional, and pluralistic perspective. If a stance is taken in support of protecting fundamental human rights, regardless of the reason or manner, this position is openly stated to the public. In such instances, this stance is explicitly conveyed within the content, with a clear and distinct separation between commentary and information regarding the event or news.
- Freedom of Expression: MMA adheres Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In this context, no discriminatory or hateful rhetoric, disinformation, fake news, content, images, or comments that incite social polarization are permitted to be shared on any of MMA's publishing platforms by any individual or legal entity.
- Fairness: News and content are prepared and created fairly, impartially, and without biases.
- Accountability: MMA takes responsibility for the content produced/shared and the impact it may have, in line with the principles of professionalism and ethical journalism. If any mistake is found in the content produced or if a negative impact occurs, MMA ensures that all necessary steps are taken to rectify the situation. In the process of producing and publishing content, MMA takes into account the concerns, sensitivities, requests, and complaints of those involved with the content, as well as viewers and readers. Nevertheless, if the feedback contradicts ethical principles, MMA reserves the right not to make changes to the related content.
- Prevention of Fundamental Rights Violations in Media: Human rights, equal representation, inclusivity, and participation are prioritized in all content, news, and research. Discriminating speech, exclusion, hate speech, and microaggression are not allowed in its social media accounts, comments, or content. The content published may be disturbing by the very nature of the news. Nevertheless, no personal data, unauthorized or revealing visuals, or speciesist or sexist photos, images, or depictions are included in the content or reports produced, and the effects on others' lives and human rights are always taken into account.
- Accessibility: The content produced by MMA is accessible and understandable to everyone. The association offers and employs relevant tools to ensure equal access for everyone.
