Press Council concerned by violation of presumption of innocence in sensational news
In their pursuit of scoops and higher audience levels, media outlets often violate the presumption of innocence, whether be it by word, image or misrepresentation of facts, stated Ludmila Andronic, the president of the Press Council, at a meeting of the organization dedicated to this issue.
According to Ludmila Andronic, the affected people often shut their eyes to such cases, not daring to claim their right of reply. “To report some cases is one thing, but giving a verdict is completely wrong. We should participate in elucidating the truth, instead of acting like we know the truth in the absolute sense”.
Press Council Secretary Petru Macovei stated that many reporters lacked the knowledge as to what terminology to use when reporting about people under investigation. “There is a terminology that is recommended to be used by those reporters who take their job seriously and don't want to deprive people of a fair trial. On the other hand, part of the blame should be shared by those editors who hurry to publish the news”.
According to Petru Macovei, some reporters violate the presumption of innocence not in bad faith, but because they do not know the elementary rules. “What editors need to do is to constantly train and instruct reporters to keep them from making mistakes”.
Lawyer Vitalie Postolache, who has dealt with multiple cases that involved unethical reporting, the best solution is for reporters to inform themselves more thoroughly in order to describe facts as clearly and accurately as possible.