Code of ethics, adopted by the by the Fiji Islands Media Association in 1996.

Photographs, graphics and audiovisual presentations must be accurate and fair representations of reality.

Newspaper headlines should be fully justified by the contents of the articles they accompany.

There should be a clear distinction between news reports, expressions of opinion and advertising. News reports should be free of opinion of bias, should be free of the influence of advertising and should present all sides of an issue.

Trustworthiness, which assures credibility and includes accuracy, honesty, promise and independence.

The news media must guard against invading a person’s right to privacy and be especially sensitive to ordinary citizens who are thrust into the news, such as victims, minors and those under extreme emotional stress and suffering from personal loss and grief.

It is the duty of the news media to make prompt and complete correction of their errors.

Respect, which includes high regard for personal privacy, sensitivity to community standards and taste, and the treatment of individuals with courtesy and compassion.

Accountability, which includes pursuit of journalist excellence, responsiveness to questions and complaints from the public, acknowledgment and correction of error, and exercise of self-restraint in the public interest.

Public service, which includes publication of newsworthy information to help readers make informed decisions, vigilance in acting as watchdogs over government and other major institutions and timeliness in getting news to audiences within the constraints of these ethical standards.

Diversity, which includes commitment to coverage of all communities and groups served, commitment to creating a staff with diverse backgrounds, and to help assure coverage that is inclusive.

General guidelines:
Gifts, favours, free travel, special treatment or privileges offered by commercial interests can compromise the integrity of journalists and employers. Nothing of value should be accepted or encouraged.

Journalists and their employers should conduct their personal lives in a manner that protects them from any conflict of interest, real of apparent.

News, whether from public or private sources, should not be published or broadcast without substantiation.

It is essential that confidential sources of information be protected.

Plagiarism is dishonest and unacceptable. News or information which is borrowed for purpose of reproduction must be acknowledged.

Implementation:
These are voluntary guidelines. Individual news organisations must decide how and when to implement this code.