a complicated and confusing value by definition, but when it is articu- lated as a standard, it became clear that the legal definition of the term is closer to the idea of quality in media, because the media production teams are committed to discussing the topic without subjectivity, and separate opinions from the news. The guest, in turn, is asked to commit to objectivity by “staying on topic and avoiding the use of circumvention tactics as many politicians and activists tend to do. When government officials answer questions about the killing of protesters by outlining their infrastructure achieve- ments, the presenter must quickly redirect the guest to the topic at hand. The correspondent or presenter’s objectivity is practiced by avoiding subjectivity and avoiding inserting their opinions or feelings into the topic as well as sticking to presenting the facts” (1) . In the same context, the meanings of accuracy, credibility, fairness and attribution support the overall professional code of conduct. Al Jazeera insists on these val- ues and the importance of defining them in a measurable and practical manner. On the topic of professional standards, it is important to address the journalist’s reactions. A journalist is not a machine whose emotions can be controlled, nor is the journalist asked to suppress them. Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid the natural reaction of crying when a journalist is asked to report losing a colleague in the field, as Mohamed Krichen did when Tariq Ayoub was killed. If a journalist represses their feelings during one of these rare moments, viewers will be disenchanted for this indicates the network only follows a symbolic objectivity devoid of its overall commitment to humanity. The key is that such emotive reac- tions in these rare moments do not become the norm, for if they do, the journalist has abandoned objectivity and that will influence the truth. The concept of neutrality is also important in this context, and is an impossible absolute standard without objectivity and other values, such as the respect for all beliefs, the protection of children, the equality of all people, the promotion of peace and freedom of opinion. If a guest in a live interview violates one of these tenants, it is preferable, according to the quality framework, that another guest respond. If this does not
(1) Editorial Standards”, Ibid., p. 26.
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