jg140211@ohio.edu
Right vs. Wrong
In 1962, the Society of Professional Journalism published a code of ethics. The SPJ has been an ethics code was created with the intention of guiding journalists on ethically appropriate behavior in the media industry. They’re many aspects of media that all abide by the SPJ. Sometimes journalism is not black and white, but gray. There is not always a definite answer as to what is considered ethically right or wrong. Which is why it is crucial for journalists to have the ability to distinguish between ethically right and wrong behavior. Journalists should be accurate, fair, truthful, and objective. Journalism shapes how society perceives information through TV news and social media.
One of the most important rules of a professional journalist is to never insert one’s own bias into a story. There are many times I have watched the news and have noticed that reporters will give their personal opinion on an issue.
This video is a prime example of how reporters have used their position of power to exemplify personal beliefs. This unethical is present in current journalism, but in this video it is blatant that Susan Roesgen is reporting unethically. Susan rudely shoved the microphone into the man’s face to ask for his opinion on government taxes. While the man is voicing his beliefs, Susan interrupts him and says, “Okay we’ll move on from here.” The SPJ Code of Ethics clearly states, explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage, and news content. Susan was not engaging in a civil dialogue with this man, furthermore allowing for the audience to believe she has an opposing belief.
Watch the video here.
Social Media:
In this day in age, social media has become a prominent component in our society. Journalists are now using social media sites to relay information to the public. Trends are seen throughout these different websites such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge involves people getting doused with buckets of ice water on video, posting that video to social media, then nominating others to do the same, all in an effort to raise ALS awareness. People can either accept the challenge or make a donation to an ALS Charity of their choice, or do both.
Consider the President of the Student Senate here at Ohio University. She was challenged by President McDavis to partake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. She used her position of authority to dump fake blood on her head and ask for the university to divest relations with Israel. She used her power as a leader to broadcast her personal beliefs. The video became viral while causing uproar in the news.
A response from the Student Senate twitter account read, “On behalf of the student senate, we humbly apologize for the video President Megan Marzec posted.” The Student Senate responded ethically to Marzec’s video. They exposed unethical conduct in journalism, including wihin their organization. They addressed the issue head on, which resulted in more respect then avoidance.
Read the news article here.
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