Good Night...and Good Luck?

Laura Marczika
Lm808605@ohio.edu

The 2005 film Good Night and Good Luck has several relevant examples where ethics are questioned from a journalist’s perspective.

The Search for Truth
One of the key ethical dilemmas to consider in the film is the instance in which the “head honcho” of CBS advises Edward R. Murrow not to publicize information exposing Senator McCarthy’s role in a smear campaign, because it could potentially mean a loss of advertising dollars. I thought this was a great illustration of Murrow acting independently of the Columbia Broadcasting System in his choice to pursue the story. I also thought it was a example of Murrow’s journey for truth, and his responsibility to seek truth and report it to the citizens it affects.

Acting Independently
Another example where there is an external pressure on the journalist concerning a story is when the military officials approach the CBS producer with the intention of intimidating him, in hopes that he will cease investigation into a story. This is another instance in which a member of the media, in this case the producer, acts independently of CBS in the quest for truth.

I admire that the journalists portrayed in this film are not intimidated by the movers and shakers in the government when going after an important story.

Conflict of Interest
Finally, a lesser ethical issue portrayed in this film was that co-workers at CBS are forbidden from sharing a romantic relationship, and two of the characters in the film are secretly married. To me, this is seems to be a ridiculous rule for a company to have, although I know many companies today have similar policies. I think it is admirable that the characters in the movie did not compromise their relationship for their careers.

In one of my internship experiences I met a couple who met on the job, and one of the partners switched companies in order to keep pursuing the relationship. I think that this is unfortunate seeing as though they were both successful and enjoying their careers at the same company; yet I also understand the potential conflict of interest presented.