DUSHANBE, October 5, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- An October 2 plenary session at Tajik Journalists’ Union considered issues related to the establishment of the council for media.

A draft charter of the council and a draft journalists’ code of ethics were presented at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, the head of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) Nouridin Qarshiboyev noted that the council for media would be a body for watching over fulfillment of ethic norms in Tajik media.

“The issue of the establishment of the journalism self-regulation body has been discussed for a long time and existence of such a system under the modern conditions of media market will allow raising quality of journalism in the country,” the Nansmit head said.

The prepared documents and the final version of the council for media would be ratified in late October at a general plenary session of founders.

Self-regulation is a great tool to improve the media by promoting the highest professional standards, as well as defending their freedom and independence.