The Press Council expresses its concern about the offering of gifts to journalists by politicians or businessmen, noting that in essence, these are similar to the actions to corrupt voters in elections campaign. “The good journalistic practices and communication practices exclude the offering of presents to journalists, these being considered an attempt to make the press loyal,” said the Press Council, being quoted by IPN.
The offering and acceptance of presents affects the independence and credibility of journalists before the public, but the society’s trust in journalists is a supreme value of the profession of journalist. Article 4.1 of the Journalist’s Deontological Code of the Republic of Moldova provides that the journalist does not accept money, presents, paid trips or any other advantage offered to influence the journalistic act and whose acceptance compromises the independence and authority before the public and affects trust in journalists in general”.
After the news conference held by President Igor Dodon at the Presidential Residence in Condrița in the evening of July 24, the journalists were offered bottles of wine, honey and other presents. Igor Dodon made a similar gesture last December, at the summing up news conference held at the Presidential Palace. Other politicians and businessmen also made a habit of offering the journalists different things that cannot be considered presents of a symbolic value.
The Press Council welcomes the gesture of the journalists who refused to accept the presents offered by President Dodon and reminds all the media professionals of Moldova that the acceptance of such “benefits”, no matter who offers them, does irreparable harm to the credibility of the profession of journalist.
