Media urged to exercise caution in current affairs coverage

The Cyprus Radio Television Authority (CRTA) appealed to local media outlets on Wednesday, cautioning them to refrain from publishing inaccurate information or content that may cause panic among the public.

The authority called on the media to “pay particular attention to the validity and verification of the information transmitted when preparing relevant reports and more generally when broadcasting news and information programmes”.

It reiterated that the media outlets needed to ensure that any information regarding current developments in Cyprus and the wider region were “accurate, correct, objective and without exaggerations of speculations that may cause confusion, fear or panic.”

CRTA said information must be retrieved from reliable and trustworthy sources, including state authorities, underlining that the media must remain committed to journalistic ethics and strictly avoid dramatic effects, such as music or exaggerated headlines.

“The reproduction or transmission of unconfirmed information, rumours or content originating from unreliable online sources and social media should be avoided,” CRTA said.

The authority said it expected broadcasters and local media to act accordingly and ensure that measures to guarantee reliability and objectivity were being implemented. 

“The main purpose and role of all broadcasting organisations and the CyBC (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation) is to provide objective, responsible and valid information to the public, especially in times of crisis that may affect citizens’ sense of security,” the authority concluded.