The Media Ethics Council for journalists has been established recently. Gogo.mn spoke to Operations Deputy Director U.Tamir to learn more about the new organization.

Could you introduce us to the operations of the Media Ethics Council and what stage it is in now?

We have approved our internal procedures and rules. Moreover, we have approved press and media ethics which should be adhered to in Mongolian journalism.   

The Media Ethics Council for journalists opened to receive complaints starting from April 22. 

Complaints can be related to and cover cases which have happened three months before the report, so it can be for publication, broadcast, and interviews.  Before the submission of the claim, the claimant should apply to the media organization first. The organization will receive a complaint from a citizen and determine whether or not the compliant is substantial. If the issue has been resolved by the media organization it is not necessary to resolve the issue through a meeting of the Media Ethics Council.    

We have two committees; one is the committee for newspapers, journals, and websites, and another is for radio and television. The relevant committee will receive and discuss complaints and make a ruling. In the case that one of sides is not found guilty of wrongdoing, the Media Ethics Council will present its findings to the public. 

Could you share with us how journalists feel about the establishment of the Media Ethics Council? What is the difference between your organization and the United Council of Journalists?   

The United Council of Journalists is an organization which protects journalists. However, the Media Ethics Council is an organization which influences adherence to ethical principles by journalists.  

The Media Ethics Council is not an organization which can penalize journalists. In case a journalist makes a mistake, the organization will remind them to make adjustments.   

Complaints regarding media and information organizations can be submitted at the 11^th floor of the Mongol Television Tower, from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.  

Source: www.gogo.mn