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Editorial

The Importance of Media Ethics

Like many other countries in the world, Malaysia is not understanding, and mutual agreement. When there
short of fake news. It becomes particularly rampant is compassion, empathy and understanding during
during elections. It is quite obvious that fake news communication, the parties involved are able to see and
result in mistrust, misinformation, and manipulation. evaluate difficult situations from different perspectives,
which in turn, may aid all parties concerned in coming
The media has power and authority in our modern
to a consensus and result in an amicable resolution of
society. People around the world, at all economic and
any challenging situation. All these initiatives can be
social levels, are faced with multiple forms of media
traced directly to right speech at the onset.
daily, both print and online. This includes television
news, radio broadcasting, newspaper articles, and now A key component of the Buddha’s teachings is ethics,
digital media as well. The mass media is already an which is the foundation of the Noble Eight-fold Path. As
intrinsic part of our everyday lives. Thus, the public such, ethics has an important role in the media. There is
has expectations that the media, especially in its a critical need for media ethics because news reporting
reporting, adheres to certain professional standards has become more and more driven by the free market,
and values, that is ethical, honest, and objective, instead motivated by financial gains, rather than reporting what
of perpetuating fake news. The public expects such is true. If communication ethics are practiced, then
professionalism from modern-day media practitioners. news reporting will be based on the truth. When we
communicate ethically, we are being respectful of others
The Buddhist approach to media and communication
and their needs. Being ethical, we also become honest
places great importance on right speech, which is part
and transparent in our communication which results
of the Noble Eight-fold Path. This principle encourages
in trust. Adhering to social media ethics is essential
individuals to speak or write words that are true,
for building trust and credibility with audiences, and
beneficial, timely, and kind. It also discourages lying,
ensuring that social media platforms remain safe and
harsh language, slander, and idle chatter. It essentially
respectful spaces for all users.
urges individuals, including journalists and media
specialists, to be sensitive to the words they use and to These principles highlight the importance of
realize their impact on others. Spreading fake news is communication in nurturing healthy and positive
definitely not in line with Buddhist teachings as this is interpersonal relationships and promoting peace and
tantamount to breaking the precept of telling the truth harmony in society, reflecting the core values of the
(abstaining from false and harmful speech), which is Buddhist approach which starts with Right Speech,
the fourth of the Five Precepts that all Buddhists are which is one of the three morality (sila) components of
expected to uphold in their daily lives. the Noble Eight-fold Path. EH

Buddhism promotes harmony and consensus in Benny Liow
interpersonal relations. Conflicts and disagreements August 23, 2024
are expected to be resolved through discussion,