Updated: TOI's policy on covering #MeToo

The Times of India respects and supports the spirit of the

#MeToo movement

and is aggressively covering the horrific stories of sexual harassment allegations, both past and present, that are being revealed by a range of courageous women from across society.


However, we are also very conscious that being the media organization with the largest reach among all, the onus on us is even greater. We realize that it thrusts upon us the immense responsibility of ensuring that our coverage always adheres to the highest ethical norms. We have, therefore, made a conscious decision not to report allegations of sexual harassment posted anonymously on social media sites.

Anonymous and unverifiable allegations posted on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or others raise serious ethical questions because these platforms allow themselves to be misused by those with malicious intent to defame. While we understand that many victims who have a real story to tell may choose to remain anonymous due to fear, safety or privacy concerns, we still do not want our platform to be misused for propagating what could potentially be false, malicious or defamatory content.

We will, therefore, not be reporting on anonymous allegations being posted on social media platforms until the person concerned or their organization responds publicly – in which case these allegations become a legitimate news story to be covered. Similarly, we will also not be reporting on third party allegations. This means that only allegations made by a victim herself/himself will be covered, not those made by a third party on their behalf.

If we are approached by any victim directly who shares his/her story with us, we may carry it in our media platforms in conformity with journalistic principles and may not disclose the identity of the victim, if he/she prefers to stay anonymous.

Additionally, if any story is being reported by another media house, we may chose to carry such fact and additional details in our media platforms as the newsworthy material presents itself , in public interest and in the interest of our readers by giving due credit to such media house. In such cases we may follow our own journalistic ethics, verify the credentials if possible so as to form a prima facie opinion and or taking their version by reaching out to the respective parties.

Other news publications, websites and TV news channels continue to carry stories based on clearly anonymous or third party complaints. We will not. As India’s largest media organisation, our sole intention is to adhere to ethical standards of reporting and we will carry on with our proactive coverage of all other

#MeToo

stories.

As a company, BCCL remains committed to maintaining a safe work environment for all its employees. It has a strong POSH policy and zero tolerance against sexual harassment at the work place.