The Ethics of Journalism

1
The Ethics of Journalism

• What is the difference between
• The New York Times
• and The National Enquirer?

2
The framers of the Constitution believed a free
press, even though occasionally irresponsible,
was preferable to a government-controlled
press.There are laws to correct wrongs after
publication, but there is no prior restraintthe
halting or forbidding of publication.
3
What, then, keeps journalists honest?
Ethicsdevotion to the idea of fair play.
4
Credibility

• The credibility of the press is important to all
  journalists
• Violations in credibility affect every
  journalists reputation

5
Accuracy

• Close doesnt count
• Name spelling
• Quotes
• There is no such thing as a small error

6
Objectivity

• Journalists should be fair, neutral observers of
  events and issues.
• No matter how you feel personally about an issue,
  think in terms of neutrality, fairness,
  impartiality, and balance.

7
Other Ethical Principles

• Good taste
• Avoid sensationalism, sexual innuendo, crudity,
  profanity. Never glorify bad behavior. Do not
  invade others privacy. Seek understatement, not
  overstatement.

8
Other Ethical Principles

• Simultaneous rebuttal, or right of reply
• If you must print or air criticism of someone,
  permit the person to respond to the criticism in
  the same story.

9
Other Ethical Principles

• Fairness to all
• Everyone in your audience---regardless of race,
  color, philosophy, religion, gender, age, or
  economic status---has an equal right to be
  treated fairly.

10
Other Ethical Principles

• Plagiarism
• Do not pass off the work of others as your own.

11
Other Ethical Principles

• Attribution