Four Pillars of Journalistic Principles

Good journalistic practice does not stand in a vacuum, but is supported by basic principles that must be maintained:

  1. Accuracy: The truth of the facts is paramount. Verify before publication.

  2. Independence: Journalists must not be controlled by any party being reported on.

  3. Fairness & Balance: Providing equal space for all parties, especially in conflict issues.

  4. Transparency & Accountability: Being open about where information is obtained from and taking full responsibility for what is written.

News Values

Not all events are worthy of becoming news. Journalists use News Values parameters to determine whether an event is worth covering:

  1. Timeliness: Events that have just occurred.

  2. Proximity: Geographical or emotional closeness to the reader. Residents of Surabaya will be more concerned about news of floods in their area than in other countries.

  3. Impact: How much influence the event has on the lives of many people.

  4. Prominence: Events involving public figures.

  5. Conflict: Disputes or sharp differences of opinion.

  6. Novelty: Things that are unique, rare, or happening for the first time.

  7. Human Interest: Events that touch emotions or inspire.

If news values determine what is worth covering, then the next foundation determines how the facts are dissected and arranged to become complete information.