Senegal Media Ethics: Watchdog Condemns Family Involvement in Crime Reporting

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Council for the Observation of Rules of Ethics and Deontology in the Media (CORED) issued a strong rebuke of a growing trend among some media outlets to involve the families of individuals implicated in matters of public morality. The regulatory body is calling for strict adherence to human dignity in reporting.

Ethical Concerns in Media Reporting

CORED’s assessment is unequivocal. The organization notes a systematic pattern of allusions to the familial environment – parents and close family – during media coverage of cases involving matters of public morality. This practice, according to the self-regulatory body, represents a departure from fundamental journalistic principles.

The Right to Information and Privacy

CORED emphasizes that while the right to information is a cornerstone of democracy, it must not infringe upon the right to privacy. The organization bases its position on two key texts:

The Press Code (Article 17), which clearly states that journalists and media technicians must respect the privacy of individuals.
The Charter of Journalists of Senegal (Article 7), which imposes the same obligation of discretion.

Did You Know? The Press Code (Article 18) prohibits any allusion of a discriminatory or stigmatizing nature.

CORED argues that family members are often “collateral victims” of unwanted media exposure, and mentioning a suspect’s ancestry or family connections is considered a “serious attack on their honour and social consideration,” especially given that these relatives bear no responsibility for the alleged actions.

Commercial Pressures and Ethical Boundaries

CORED further cites Article 18 of the Press Code, which prohibits any allusion of a discriminatory or stigmatizing nature. According to the statement, mentioning relatives in these sensitive cases “serves no public interest in information.” The organization condemns a “mercantile logic” – the pursuit of clicks or sensationalism – as justification for such breaches of ethics.

Expert Insight: The CORED’s statement highlights the complex tension between the public’s right to know and the protection of individual and familial privacy, a challenge faced by journalists globally. The emphasis on ethical considerations underscores the importance of responsible reporting, particularly in sensitive cases.

What Could Happen Next

CORED is calling on journalists to exercise discernment and individual responsibility. The organization states it will remain “attentive to any breaches” and will not hesitate to refer any violations of ethical and deontological rules to its Peer Tribunal for sanction. Increased scrutiny of media reporting in these cases could lead to more formal complaints and potential sanctions. A possible next step could be a review of existing ethical guidelines to provide more specific guidance on reporting on matters of public morality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CORED’s primary concern?

CORED is concerned about the increasing tendency of some media outlets to involve the families of individuals implicated in matters of public morality.

What documents support CORED’s position?

CORED relies on the Press Code (Article 17) and the Charter of Journalists of Senegal (Article 7), both of which emphasize the importance of respecting the privacy of individuals.

What action is CORED prepared to take?

CORED will remain vigilant for any breaches of ethical rules and is prepared to refer violations to its Peer Tribunal for potential sanctions.

How can media outlets balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect the privacy of individuals and their families?