Home 
JOURNALISTS should conduct themselves properly while covering the news in order to avoid conflicts with news sources.
Marichu Villanueva, associate editor of the Philippine Star, talked about how proper etiquette helps journalists become better agents of truth.
Respect off-the-record statements, be accurate in quotes, give proper attribution in stories and present all sides fairly, she said.
"The best interviewer is the best listener. Don't pretend you understand the answers. Don't be shy to ask for clarifications," Villanueva told an audience of Cebu media and over 50 mass communication students from different universities in Cebu City during the "Ethics During Coverage" forum held at the Marcelo Fernan Cebu Press Center last Wednesday.
To have good interviews, she said a reporter should set appointments with their subjects and agree where to hold the interview.
Come prepared with an identification card, pen, notebook, and a tape recorder, she said.
"Ask direct questions. Avoid rude or blunt questions. Quote exactly the interviewee for accuracy and fairness. Don't argue with the interviewee and listen very well," she said.
Off-the-record statements should be respected so as not to compromise the reporter and the publication.
"The news source might deny the statement later on," she explained.
She recounted how former president Joseph Estrada told her ahead of the others that he had signed the controversial Jose Velarde bank account.
But she said Estrada requested her not to print an article about his confession.
If a reporter has difficulty handling off-the-record statements, the editor should be informed, she said.
Cristina Mendez, a Senate beat reporter of the Philippine Star, advised not to be intimidated by news sources.
"If you get intimidated, you cannot pursue your story," Mendez said.
She advised mediamen to dress properly in order not to put their media outfits in a bad light.
The forum was one of several activities promoting professional journalism as part of Cebu Press Freedom Week.
