Orinfor adopts new reporting guidelines

In line with the ongoing transition by the Rwanda Information Office (Orinfor) from state to public, the broadcaster institution has launched a new editorial manual that will guide their reporters and editors in their daily journalistic activities.

Friday, July 27, 2012

In line with the ongoing transition by the Rwanda Information Office (Orinfor) from state to public, the broadcaster institution has launched a new editorial manual that will guide their reporters and editors in their daily journalistic activities.The organisation on Wednesday invited representatives from the media, law enforcers, and government to review and debate particular sections of the new editorial guidebook before it can be officially launched in November this year."Orinfor is under serious transformation and good strides are being made towards the right direction. The guidebook will act as a compass that shows us in which direction we should go,” Willy Rukundo, the Acting Director General of the institution, said."It will be in accordance with other already existing national laws, as it executes its function as an essential tool that guides journalists during the course of executing their duties.”Faith Mbabazi, the Director of Radio Rwanda, added that the initiative is inspired by Rwanda’s growing democracy, press freedoms as well responsible journalism that contributes to peace and reconciliation."Orinfor is Rwanda’s predominant media institution and shares these constitutional liberties and recognises the obligations that come with it. This is one of the driving forces behind the development of these editorial guidelines,” Mbabazi said."We hope that through it, our journalists will remain constantly aware of their responsibility towards the public and their duty to uphold the prestige of Orinfor.”Accuracy was singled out as one of the core values in the guidebook, as it is stated in section 4:1A that: "We make sure that all our editorial output is accurate by ensuring that we get all the relevant facts about an issue or subject. We therefore do not knowingly mislead by presenting false facts, invented material or information through our editorial channels.