Ethical Codes: What Draws The Line?

Claire Klodell

ck464915@ohio.edu

Thanksgiving dinner is the most anticipated and dreaded holiday in history. For people who clash political views with their relatives, this is the one day they would do anything to miss. People who pull the Switzerland card with politics might consider this the best holiday of the year. One of the biggest controversial arguments during Thanksgiving in 2016 was about journalism. At least, at my Thanksgiving dinner in Cincinnati, Ohio. Half of my family believes the media dictates what their audience sees and is unable to see. The media’s distribution of information can heavily influence how the American people view the world, according to a critical select few.

Journalism

However, this is where the journalism code of ethics comes into play. There are multiple versions which offer a unanimous guideline to what differentiates right and wrong. The Radio Television Digital News Association specifically addresses their mission in the beginning of their code of ethics. “The RTDNA Code ofEthics does not dictate what journalists should do in every ethical predicament; rather it offers resources to help journalists make better ethical decisions – on and off the job – for themselves and the communities they serve.” Their three main principles are truth and accuracy above all, independence and transparency, and the accountability for consequences.

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) hold their own code of ethics. Most of their guidelines are identical to the RTDNA website, except for two principles. The initial step is to seek information and report it, and they give rules on how to minimize harm, by stating what journalists should and should not do. They offer multiple pieces of advice on how to avoid potentially causing harm. “Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information.” 

Yet, the SPJ code of ethics is completely voluntary, it is only in place to provide a strategic framework, and isn’t strictly enforced. They claim, “the reason for this emphasis are rooted in the special nature of journalism and the need to preserve freedom of expression and an independent press.”

Photography

Journalists are not the only ones who uphold a code of ethics, the National Press Photographers Association established one suited for them. People tend to believe photographs quicker than they would believe an article. This way, photographers hold a greater sense of responsibility in not photoshopping their pictures to mislead an audience. The NPPA recognizes this in their code of ethics when they write, “editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images’ content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that could mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.”

Advertising

On social media, it can be incredibly misleading if a popular account posts an advertisement, but does not clarify how they are being sponsored. The Advertising Code of Ethics acknowledges this concern, and states, “advertisers should clearly distinguish advertising, public relations and corporate communications from news and editorial content and entertainment, both online and offline.”


Not every publication needs to abide by the code of ethics related to their profession identically, but in order to maintain credibility, should consider its benefits.