Ethics in Journalism

Ethics Key Terms

• Ethics - the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation• Conflict of Interest - a conflict between the

private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust• Ombudsman – the person who investigates

reported ethics complaints (as from students or consumers)

Ethical Principles

• Because the First Amendment prohibits a government controlled press, there can be no laws that require journalists to uphold specific values.• Most publications adopt their own code of ethics.• There are libel and privacy laws that journalists

must abide by.• Nine common ethical principles - KNOW

Credibility

• The ability to be believed and trusted.• How might a publication’s credibility be violated?

Accuracy

• To be careful and exact, free from mistakes and errors.• Even small errors are not okay.

Objectivity

• The state of mind that journalists acquire to make them fair, neutral observers of events and issues. • Always report both sides of the story.• How/why would it be unethical to only tell one

side of a story?

Good Taste

• Avoid sensationalism, sexually explicit material, profanity and any other obscenity.• Do not invade the privacy of others.• Adhere to publication’s guidelines.

Right of Reply

• Always permit people to respond to criticism before you run the story.• Connected to telling both sides of a story.

Fairness to All

• Report on all racial, religious and economic groups the same. • Do not apply different standards to different

people or create biases.• Be impartial - not partial or biased; treating or

affecting all equally

Plagiarism

• Do not use someone else’s work. • Always give credit if you quote someone.

Attribution

• Tell where the information came from.• Do not use anonymous sources.• Why is it bad to use anonymous sources?• What are some situations where it might be

okay?

Truth

• Don’t fake a story.• Never make speculations or guess at the facts.• Avoid generalizations and non-objective material.

Activity

1. Each table will be given a hypothetical situation. You will discuss the situation as a group.

2. As a group, you must then decide which of the 9 ethical principles will help you make your decision.

3. On a separate sheet of paper, list the principles you used to reach a decision and then write a paragraph explaining your decision and why.

4. Be prepared to share in class discussion.

Key Terms Review

1. Credibility2. Accuracy3. Objectivity4. Good Taste5. Right of Reply6. Fairness to All7. Plagiarism8. Attribution9. The Truth