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KARACHI: In keeping with the internationally recognised practice of ethical journalism, Dawn has decided to have its own internal ombudsman to be called Dawn Readers’ Editor (DRE).
Mr Muhammad Ali Siddiqi, who is one of the senior most members of the staff, is being appointed as the newspaper’s first DRE.
The idea is to attend to our readers’ complaints, and to respond to them professionally in a manner that would address the matter that directly concerns the complainant.
The DRE will be the investigating authority to whom all clarifications, contradictions, corrections and complaints will be referred, and it is he who will take note of any alleged violations of Dawn’s code of ethics, which is based on the internationally recognised journalistic values and ethic, and which have always been upheld and guarded by Dawn’s team of media persons.
The DRE will convey his observations/suggestions to the Editor for the final decision. In case the final decision requires the publishing of any clarification, modification, contradiction or apology, provided the circumstances so require, the complainant may be informed of the decision; provided further that the complainant agrees that publication in accordance with the final decision of the Editor will be to full satisfaction of his/her grievance.
State institutions and political parties have enough avenues for articulating their views, the DRE forum is meant basically for Dawn readers.
The DRE can be contacted on
Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2014
