Saturday, September 14, 2013

Journalism and its Codes of Ethics


Does the new age of journalism call for a new age of ethics? It is very safe to say that the world of journalism is changing. But, do we expect our views on ethics to still be the same? In my opinion, everything must adapt to the ways that societies are changing, even our ethical codes. However, the basis of ethics should always remain the same. The golden rule that we all have learned and known since Kindergarten should be the basis of understanding of ethics: Treat others the same way that you expect to be treated yourself. Another way to understand ethics is showing others what kind of person you really are and what you stand for.

If all journalists understood those basic principles, you would imagine that we wouldn’t have to spend a whole semester understanding and practicing ethics. Newsflash: It is NOT that easy; Ethics and journalism often get tangled up. This is mainly because journalism has turned into big business, and the main goal in business is not to be ethical all the time, instead it is to make money. For some journalism corporations, making money is more important than being ethical and informing the public of its news. Many people now view journalism as a “watchdog” for society. Some journalists do not like to have themselves referred to as any kind of dog, but in this case it is a compliment. Keeping the public informed and making sure those in power don’t abuse it occupy much of the role of journalists today.

Codes of Ethics

One common thread I noticed in each of the Codes of Ethics in our readings was that the main goal for all journalism organizations is to seek the truth. While seeking the truth, making sure that the public is enlightened and all up to date and important matters. Those two ideals are a great way understand journalism. I think if I don’t remember anything else from this class, (Hopefully that’s not the case!) those truths would be the building blocks for my journalistic future. By establishing these similar codes of ethics, it allows the next generation to understand what needs to be done to carry the torch of journalism. 
Will-I-Am carries the torch of journalism and stays up to date on his news
Via:walesonline.co.uk

Another similarity found between all the Codes of Ethics was that journalists must be held accountable for their actions, whether positive or negative. Negative criticism is something that is very hard for some individuals to understand. As a journalist, you should not be one of them. Understanding when a mess up is made and standing up and correcting it will give you more credibility with the public than shying away would. This was the case with KTVU-TV in San Francisco and their mess up earlier this summer. 

The last major similarity between all the codes is to act independently. As the Society of Public Journalists code states, Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know. It also means that one should stay away from any person or corporation trying to bribe or persuade your interest with money or gifts. And it also means that journalists should never try to buy or bribe their way into a story, like this man who called himself a journalist across the pond in the United Kingdom

Ethics have always been and will always be important for journalists, especially in the new age of journalism and today’s society.

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