The Parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2 will have a decisive impact on 's future political path. Selecting the country's lawmakers is a critical process and the media, ideally, will enable people to make intelligent decisions. But will the media fulfil their social responsibilities fairly, and in accordance with accepted standards? The editors of local leading newspapers speak their minds: TheBehaviourofTheBehaviourof NewspapersNewspapers The Centre for Policy Alternatives has made a study in regard to the behaviour of the newspapers on the general election. This study included all the main newspapers published in Sinhala, Tamil and English from February 17, 2004 to February 24, 2004. The FairElections?FairPress results of that study are briefly as follows. hree state owned dailies - , and had the highest percentage of the total coverage Guide - had minimum unfavorable coverage of UPFA respectively (21.85%) unfavorable to the UPFA. 8.01% was favorable to the UPFA and T 2.10%, 0.00% and 1.50%. Dinamina and Daily News had the 11.02% was favorable to the UNF. There was no unfavorable coverage of highest favorable coverage given to any party by a daily newspaper for the UNF. Ourselves UPFA. Daily News had 32.38% Dinamina had 26.75%. Their favorable Other than Sudaroli and Thinakural all non state dailies had more coverage to UPFA was significantly larger than the unfavorable cover- favorable coverage than unfavorable on UPFA. All non state dailies had Sunanda Deshapriya age. more favorable coverage than unfavorable coverage on UNF as well. DeclareSupport PermitAllViews RemainImpartial Spokesman for the These three dailies had the highest unfavorable coverage to UNF Dailies and had the same amount of favorable published by any daily newspaper. Dinamina had 20.13%. Thinakaran coverage on UPFA and UNF while Daily and also Lalith Alahakoon Siri Ranasinghe A. Sivanesa Selvam Free Media Movement had 8.72% and Daily News had 12.57%. Their favorable coverage to UNF came close to equal coverage on both main parties. Editor- Editor-Lankadeepa Editor-Thinakural was 11.5%, 9.44% and 7.46% respectively. Except for Thinakaran the Tamil dailies (17.45%), (8.68%) and Sudaroli other two dailies had more unfavorable coverage than favorable coverage (15.98%) all had more favorable coverage for TNA. ewspapers can help political ach media institution has a right to he editorial policy at a time of elections should be to present of UNF. Tamil dailies had 2 editorials and 5 front page lead stories favorable to parties at any time and not support, in accordance with their own to the people all aspects of opinions. As Tamil newspapers State owned dailies and weeklies TNA while two editorials were N only at an election, on the policies, the political parties which T we always pay special attention to the problems of the Tamil E had 12 editorials and 3 front page unfavorable to Hela Urumaya. basis of their political ideologies. It is accord with their policies. If a newspaper is people. However we also give coverage to Sinhala politicians and lead stories in favor of UPFA while State Media (Printed) Daily Lankadeepa had the highest not something to be done in secret. I impartial, it must see how it can maintain its Sinhala political parties. We must not be partial. My view is that if the Non State Media (Printed) 2 editorials and 2 front page lead favorable coverage (7.26%) for Hela believe that it can be done openly. It is readership. It is a serious problem. On the editor of a newspaper wants to support a political party he must resign Favorable to UNF 28% Favorable to UNF 50% stories were unfavorable to UNF. 4 Urumaya while Daily Mirror, Divaina not essential to tell the readers directly other hand the newspapers too are a from the newspaper and join that political party. front page lead stories were and The Island all had more than 5% which particular party a newspaper commercial undertaking. An investor spends a We always take steps to expose racism. Even Sinhala racist ideas are unfavorable to SLMC, which is a favorable coverage on Hela Urumaya. supports. The readers will know it. Take large amount of money and starts a newspaper sometimes published in our newspapers. The idea is to aquaint the Tamil coalition partner of UNF. There were had the highest coverage a country like England. There are in order to render some service and, to say the people with these ideas. no UNF favorable editorials or lead (16.93%) in support of Free and Fair newspapers which support the Labour truth, to develop it and to make a profit. For stories in State print media. elections. Party and there are newspapers which that purpose it is necessary to increase its Front page photographs in State Favorable to Favorable to 6.35% of total election coverage of support the Conservative Party. sales. That is the fundamental aim. What media show a clear pro UPFA bias. UPFA 72% UPFA 50% daily Thinakkural was favorable to the However it is not possible for policy should be adopted for the purpose of Out of 6 Dinamina issues monitored, UPFA while 12.80% was favorable to newspapers belonging to the govern- increasing sales? In a society with people he security of media personnel when 4 had front page photographs covering the President (UPFA) while there the UNF. ment to be subservient to political parties. Those newspapers are public holding various views, if we align ourselves with one section only, the other they publish ideas against politicians were none in the front page covering the Prime Minister (UNF). 5.40% of total election coverage of daily Sudaroli was favorable to the service media. They must be independent. They must be open to all sections move away from us. That will have an adverse effect. Then the T or the government must be ensured. Daily News ran the news of 04 SLMC MPs joining the UPFA on three UPFA while 10.32% was favorable to the UNF. political parties. business will fail. There are many newspapers in history which have collapsed At a time of elections the media have a days as front page news, twice as lead stories. However, no response from 8.97% of total election coverge of Daily Mirror was favorable to the Although ours is a democratic country, political parties exert various in this way. particular task. Is it necessary to have some SLMC was published. UPFA while 17.79% was favorable to the UNF. pressures on the media. We, therefore, try to be as independent as Therefore a newspaper must become a forum for all shades of opinion. They control for guiding the administration of the It is evident that state media had a pro UPFA and anti UNF bias in their Daily Island and Daily Mirror had the highest coverage (approxi- possible. In developed countries the percentage of those who vote is must be allowed space. There should be space for criticism. However, when media at such a time? In many countries there reporting during the period monitored mately 8.00%) in support of Free and Fair election. between 40% and 50%. Often people are unaware that an election is even presenting news, it must be truthful. There should be no distortion. It is wrong to are no rules and regulations to control the media Non state media had 11 editorials - Lankadeepa 03, Daily Mirror 02, Daily Virakesari had the highest coverage (6.24%) on election educa- taking place. But in our country 60% to 70% of the population vote. At concoct news to suit one's own ideas. That also will drive the readers away. Even at election time. The Island 03, Lakbima 03 on free and fair elections. tion. the same time many acts of violence also take place. Political leaders act when a newspaper acts conscientiously, some news items might hurt particular ChangetheSystem However in some countries there are laws in an almost dictatorial manner. The newspapers in countries like ours political parties and can then be misinterpreted by them. It is something Victor Ivan and regulations to ensure equal opportunity for all political parties and candidates at election have to function in such an environment. There is pressure exerted on the newspapers have to face and there is nothing that can be done about it. However, Editor-Ravaya newspapers too. That is why we try to be as independent as possible. those who are facing an election must be given proper coverage. One person time. In Russia there is a judicial institution for In addition to ethnic conflicts now there are also religious should not be given more coverage than another. lthough elections to decide who should get governmental power this purpose. In Malawi the elections controversies in our country. In such circumstances the newspapers must If a party is to be supported it should not be done stealthily. I see nothing wrong are held from time to time the political system in our country commission takes over the responsibility for act with a sense of social responsibility and in a manner not prejudicial in helping a party. That may be one's policy. The readers will understand what the A cannot be considered a democratic one. That has been a deciding implementing the recommendations. If the factor that has contributed to the decline in the country. elections commission has independence, this GuidelinesforElectronicMedia to any ethnic or religious community. line is. They will know what the opinion of the newspaper is. Therefore it is not adequate for the newspapers, at an election to system is considered a sound one. function as a forum for the political parties contesting the election. In In all democratic countries there are addition they must also function as a forum that draws the attention of the exceptional guidelines for the state media. In people to the need to subject the existing political system to serious CoverageofElections those institutions these guidelines provide for reform. just reportage of elections within the framework Even the constitution, which is the basic law of the country, cannot be of independence. he Commissioner of Elections Mr. Dayananda or are concerned or are likely to be affected should also be considered a constitution which guarantees a democratic political system. Some other countries have differed from Disanayake issued 18 point guidelines to all given coverage in the same news item or programme. The nature of the constitution of the parties too is the same. In the party both these and have drawn regulations for the T electronic media, both State Owned and Private 8. Any documentary program or special programs that political system there is almost no internal democracy. The party system media to guide themselves (for exceptional to be followed on the coverage of the current parliamentary are broadcast during campaign period should disclose the EnlightenAsUsual in our country functions as a system of institutions to train dictatorial needs) in times of elections. For this purpose it election. names of the script writer, announcer and the editor. StayIndependent rulers. The entire political system prevailing in the country is in a state of is necessary to have an independent culture of These guidelines have been issued to ensure balance and 9. Airtime of any program or news bulletin should not Lasantha Wickramatunga Gamini Sumanasekera decay and collapse. journalism. At the same time it is essential for impartiality in their reporting and prevent discrimination be utilized for unsubstantiated allegations against candidates Editor-Sunday Leader It is necessary to explain to the people that it is of no use to change the rulers without effecting a change the media to have a system of ethics of their own. against any political party, candidate or party leader in or political parties or political leaders until the election is Editor-Irida Divaina in the entire political system. Various groups of people have moved away and are moving away from the There is such a tradition among the electronic granting access to airtime. concluded. he role of an editor in an n election is an intelligent test of the state. A serious discussion about the fundamental question of how to have a democratic multi party system, election does not differ media institutions of the United Kingdom. In The Commissioner of Elections has issued this guide- 10. All institutions shall act carefully and diligently in people's opinion. I think what an an independent government service, an independent judiciary, a tradition of media functioning with a Bosnia a commission of media veterans lines in consequent to the meeting the Secretary, Ministry of airing non election news such as coverage of official functions T from that in ordinary times. A editor must do is to divulge correctly sense of social responsibility, and a system of state trusted and respected by all, has become an essential The role of an editor is to enlighten the functions in this regard. Information Tilak Ranaviraja had with him on February 11 and crimes. No coverage should be given for any candidate the trends in the country and to create a forum condition for the sustenance of the country. The ordinary practice is to have separate with regard to broadcasting of programs relating to Parlia- whether such a candidate holds a position of a minister or other people on the problems and the trends for public opinion. in the country for the welfare of the guidelines, and laws and regulations for the state mentary General Election over electronic media. officer during the campaign. We know that utterly corrupt ministers from media on the one hand and the non- state media Following is the full text of the guidelines issued by the 11. Coverage of President and the Prime Minister should people. It may be on a political, both the main parties are standing for election. economic, cultural or any other matter. on the other. Although the state media have commissioner : be treated as a coverage given for the political party to which The independent institutions or the newspapers exceptional responsibilities as a people's By virtue of the powers vested in me under Article 104B he or she belongs and therefore leaders of major political There is no difference whether it is at have not been able to prevent this from an election time or at any other time. service, the media of the private sector have no (5) of the Constitution, the following guidelines are issued to parties contesting elections should be given equal coverage in happening. But I think newspaper editors must all programs. There is an accepted tradition in such obligation. At the same time there are all broadcasting and telecasting operators to follow these Mr. Dayananda Disanayake be independent. Newspaper editors might have 12. All electronic media institutions should act fairly in Europe now for newspapers to work for media organisations maintained by political guidelines in order to ensure a free and fair election. Commissioner of Electins their own political leanings, but they must play selecting participants for panel discussions and as such, the the success of a party or a candidate. StateMedia:Don'tTakeSidesparties which have no such obligations at all. 1. All telecasting and broadcasting media shall be bal- their role with utmost impartiality, like the anced and impartial in their election reporting and shall not discriminate against composition of a discussion should be balanced. They state openly in their editorials that However it is expected that the private media commissioner of elections. any political party, candidate or political party, candidate or political party 13. All phone - in programmes should have fair opportunities for all callers they support such and such parties or Lakshman Gunasekera which have not informed the readers by their What we mean by balanced coverage is to leaders in granting access to airtime. irrespective of the content of their questions and contributions. candidates. There is no such tradition in Sri Lanka. However, some Editor-Sunday Observer editorial policy that they have any political interview candidates from all parties and to publish those interviews in the 2. All heads of broadcasting and telecasting institutions should ensure that 14. If any Chairperson, Member of the Boards or employees of any electronic media arrive at certain stands. It may be interpreted as support for some newspaper is guided by an editor in accordance with the profes inclinations, will follow the policies newspaper. That is the traditional system. That is what the people are used to. the broadcast and telecast of election programs shall not be interfered with by media institution actively engages in political involvement such involvement political party or candidate. However, in Sri Lanka the media do not sional policies as well as the institutional policies of that recommended for the state media. However this However, what must happen is that a newspaper must become a platform for the the Minister or any other outside political interference, unless a restraint causes conflicts of interest in balance broadcasting. officially support any party or candidate. A newspaper. Our market also has an influence. The proprietors cannot be done by law. candidates to present their solutions to the main problems of the country. becomes absolutely necessary to prevent substantial harm to a legitimate 15. If an individual (employee or any member of the board of the broadcasting I do not think any party needs any media institute to support it. want to present the newspaper to the readers in a successful manner. At the Under whatever conditions, it is possible to There is nothing wrong in a newspaper taking sides if there are issues of great interest, such as an act of violence. or telecasting institution) publicly identified as a candidate or prospective candi- However the people can have an understanding of the situation in the same time the proprietors might have other requirements too. Here there identify the guidelines affecting both the state concern at stake. For instance the newspaper worked against Mrs. 3. All media institutions shall provide accurate, balanced and impartial date for the parliamentary or any other election or holding an office in a political country through the content of the editorials in the newspapers. From are private proprietors as well as state proprietors. The private newspaper media and the private media. Bandaranaike. The Lake House Group campaigned against the Press Bill. information in their news bulletins and current affairs. party, such person should withdraw from journalistic functions until the election those articles the people can decide what is true or not, and accordingly institutions have the right to function according to their ideologies in a A machinery to inquire into complaints from However I do not think it is fair for a newspaper to be involved in such a drastic 4. Owing to the potential for editorial opinion to be confused and biased, is concluded and shall not be permitted to engage in any journalistic function at the for which party they should vote. What the media should do is only manner that would not harm society. They also have the absolute right to the public or the political parties against the action as to get Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga to seize power from electronic media are urged not to broadcast editorial opinions. However, if broadcasting or telecasting institution. inform the people. I do not say that a newspaper has no right to serve support a political party. While there is such a decision of principle, some media. Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe or vice versa. editorial opinion is permitted for any reason whatsoever, it is obliged also to 16. When a person refuses to participate in a discussion or interview and political interests. newspapers give news in a way that would be advantageous to the party of Directions for reporting public opinion polls. In fact we must help subdue ethnic and religious conflicts when they occur. broadcast and telecast opinions to the contrary as well. choose not to offer reasons for absence, the electronic media institution shall The politicians seek the people's vote once in six years for a specific their liking. That is to say they would imply that one party is good while Policies on stories of hatred, defamation etc. On the other hand the media have no right to give prominence to ethnic passions. 5. News coverage of press conferences and public statements concerning respect that position. Dramatic devices such as an empty chair in television should term on the basis of some promises. The newspapers are quite different. the other parties are not. However in Western countries where democracy Policies on news items that should not be When one looks at a newspaper it must be apparent that it has no ethnic or political controversy called or made by the Head of the Government, Ministers, not be employed to underline a refusal but it is encouraged to employ a simple and We seek the vote of the people everyday. When we release the newspaper is well established, for instance in America, the mainstream newspapers published before or during the course of religious prejudices. Now the Divaina in particular, is a newspaper that comes Members of the ruling party shall be subject to a right to reply with equal time direct announcement in that instance. to the market, the people buy it because we work for their welfare. declare in public that they support this or that party. They say it in the elections. from a Sinhala Buddhist cultural background. Consequently the people of the by political parties opposing them. 17. No election related programme or any other programme which has an Otherwise they might not buy it. editorial itself. Then the readers of the newspaper know which party that Journalistic rights to report on election country expect the Divaina to shape the opinion of the Sinhalese Buddhists. 6. It is obligatory on the part of the news department and curent affairs effect of political propaganda for and against any party, candidate or political The media have a responsibility not to function in a way that would newspaper supports. I do not think that the newspapers of the private sector should be absolutely impartial. affairs. However, the Divaina never says that the Tamil people of this country should be section (or any similar section) of each institution not to air any programme leader, shall be broadcast or telecast during the two days preceding the election. rouse ethnic or religious passions. I believe that they have an obligation There is no problem even if they do support a political party. They have no particular responsibility to the Ensuring the protection of media personnel. denied their rights, or that anyone should be denied the right to follow any other The present challenge before the media during the campaign period, unless the contents of the porgramme are balanced. 18. The attention of the Chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting to work for unity, reconciliation and peace, without rousing ethnic and religion. I think a newspaper editor should recognize the various ethnic identities general public. Their responsibility is to their readers. However the newspapers of the state sector cannot do 7. If any material is broadcast covering an incident or event with any Corporation and Sri Lanka Rupavahini is drawn to Article 104 B (5) (b) of the religious passions. this. Our responsibility is to the general public through the state machinery. As media institutions community of this country is to evolve guide- in the country and respect them and follow a policy of respecting them. lines suitable for Sri Lankan conditions through comment or contribution from any political party or candidate or a person Constitution, which requires them to take all steps necessary to ensure compliance responsible to the general public we cannot extend any special support to any particular political party or to concerned with a political party, all other political parties that have any interest with these guidelines. some community. The ideas of all streams must be represented in the newspaper. discussion of these matters. FMM.CPA,RGL Collaboration with AED