ETHICAL STANDARDS
The Media, in its many forms, is a powerful force. In every form it takes, it affects and influences the society in which it is heard or seen.
Modern Media, as a profession has a responsibility for setting and keeping ethical and business standards, keeping in mind at all time it's influence in modern society.
Global Thunda Network, it's Partners and Affiliates and Team believe that:-
- Freedom of Speech is a basic elements of a Democracy – and that in a free and independent nation, that freedom of speech is not only vital, but it's use must be tempered with respect for others.
- While "Free speech" in the media is and should be a non arguable right, if that free speech becomes a tool for the vilification of others, it jeopardizes it's most essential self. Those who use their right of Free Speech as a weapon or a tool with which to cause harm, they risk losing that right for all of us.
- The media carries to the public information and commentary on various issues, including current affairs. Taken as a whole, the Media should reflect many different views – freely expressed, but at the same time tempered by respect for Culture.
- Affiliate Stations, Broadcasters, Team Members and Artists are expected to remember that the Performing and Listening Audience is a Global one, a mix of cultures, lifestyles, ethnic origins, and even languages, and plan their affiliated programming to suit. We are a Global Family, coming together to bring people closer together via the language of Independent Music. Neither the Music nor the Presenter nor the Affiliate should have any public bias towards any others.
Global Thunda Network asks its Affiliate Stations, Broadcasters and Team Members to accept and apply the following standards – as a minimum level of Conduct.
A Fair Go
- Global Thunda Network Affiliate Stations, Broadcasters and Team Members should conduct their personal and professional life with honesty, integrity and the principle of a fair go.
- Respect and courtesy should be shown at all times with regard to a person’s privacy, age, place of origin, ethnic background or religion. Political differences, when expressed publicly, should be given as personal opinion and without resorting to vilification or incitement. Artists and their Music tracks played should also adhere to that standard.
- Global Thunda Network Affiliate Stations and Broadcasters are expected to comply with all legal and accounting requirements applicable in the Countries in which they operate. Directors should be responsible for ensuring that resources directed their way from any other Affiliate Stations, Broadcasters, Team Members and Artists or from GTN are properly used (nationally and internationally) for the purposes for which they were intended.
- Standards of Management should always aspire to “Best Practice” including relationships with Partners and Volunteers, Professional Associations, Artists, Promoters, Suppliers and Listeners.
- Affiliate Stations and Broadcasters need a clear Policy to determine the Acceptability of Artists for Promotions and of Products and Companies for Advertising or Sponsorship, establish specific standards of quality for their Advertisements, and make a clear distinction between Advertisements and Editorial Copy. Editorial favours should never be offered or accepted in return for advertisements or promotional contracts.
- Affiliate Stations and Broadcasters should be independently audited annually and their financial records made available to the public on request.
- All Fund Raising by Affiliate Stations, Broadcasters and Team Members should be overt, transparent, ethical and within the relevant laws, and should be of benefit to the Artists involved as well as the Community.
- The amount spent on Administration should be kept to a minimum and be available on request.
- Funds may only be used for purposes for which they were given or collected.
- All Sources of music and/or information should be known – and verified – by the affiliate and by the individual broadcaster. Use of that music must be by permission of the artist or artists management, except where Broadcasters are licensed; In which case submitting reports and paying fees responsibly and in a timely manner.
