Asahi Shimbun Establishes New Election Reporting Guidelines for Voter Information

New Guidelines for Election Reporting by Asahi Shimbun

On June 13, 2023, Asahi Shimbun Co., led by President Katsuto Tsunoda, unveiled its new basic principles for election reporting. The decision arises from the recognition that social media significantly influences election results. While ensuring a fair reporting process, the organization aims to proactively and timely deliver crucial information that assists voters in making informed choices.

Adjusting to Change

Historically, Asahi Shimbun placed a strong emphasis on fairness, ensuring that reporting during election periods did not favor any specific political party or candidate. However, unexpected events in the upcoming elections, including the House of Representatives' by-election for Tokyo's 15th district, the Tokyo gubernatorial election, and the Hyogo gubernatorial election, prompted a reevaluation of this approach. The rise of misinformation rapidly spread on social media, leading to criticisms from many readers who felt they were not receiving essential information.

In light of these changes and feedback, Asahi Shimbun reflected on its previous election reporting strategies and initiated internal discussions to define a more suitable framework. Their new principles affirm that reporting during election periods should primarily be free, allowing for the possibility that information unfavorable to certain parties or candidates could be reported if deemed beneficial for voters, as long as it remains fact-based.

The essence of election reporting lies in delivering accurate information, relevant facts as discerned by reporters, and a thorough analysis that aids readers in their decision-making processes. Asahi Shimbun commits to ongoing review and proactive reporting.

Key Principles of Election Reporting

The four key principles established by Asahi Shimbun for its election reporting include:

1. Confirmation that election reporting is fundamentally free during election periods, in accordance with the Public Offices Election Act, the unified opinion of the Japan Newspaper Association, and Asahi Shimbun's previous guidelines. They will proactively report information that supports voter judgment and understanding.

2. Reporting candidates' or political parties' statements and actions, even if such information might disadvantage the parties involved, will occur if it is determined to aid voters' decisions. However, standard privacy considerations apply to individuals, which will be carefully considered even if the information is factual.

3. Should erroneous or unverified information circulate widely on social media that could impact voter behavior, Asahi Shimbun will investigate and report on the inaccuracies or lack of basis of such information before disseminating it.

4. If journalists face defamation or slander during the reporting process, the company will take appropriate measures, including legal actions, to protect them.

Editorial Commitment

Yoshihiro Kasuga, the General Editor and head of the Tokyo Headquarters editorial department, stated, “The mission of election reporting is to deliver accurate information and multifaceted analyses that aid our readers' judgment. We will adhere to these guidelines to convey the realities of elections more accurately and proactively.”

Engaging with Experts

This year, Asahi Shimbun has engaged in discussions with scholars regarding election reporting, sharing insights with readers to foster a better understanding of media responsibilities in the age of social media. This proactive stance illustrates Asahi Shimbun's commitment to effective communication in an evolving digital landscape.