Jeff Bennett
jb140608@ohio.edu
While 100 percent objectivity is impossible to achieve in journalism, the codes and standards set forth by various organizations -- such as Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) -- provide a guideline for investigative reporters to follow. I think these guidelines are essential so that journalists strive to maintain a sense of integrity toward themselves and the community.
For example, the SPJ emphasizes journalists must seek the truth, promote fairness and minimize harm to the public. This is good. As journalists, we seem to be more opinionated, outspoken, curious and dedicated to particular causes. These traits make a good journalist, but are not always beneficial for objectivity.
Therefore, ethical codes are important so that journalists strive to report the truth in lieu of a biased publication. The codes stress honesty instead of a story supported by personal beliefs while balance is necessary instead of taking sides on a particular issue. Without these codes and guidelines, it is possible many slanderous and injurious publications would arise.
Although some journalists have a strong opinion about a subject before approaching it in their work, it is important personal beliefs do not cause harm to their career or jeopardize the dignity of individuals within the community. I think these codes do minimize harm to many parties while ensuring journalists do not provoke a lawsuit against themselves or the company where they work. And for this, the codes demonstrate their importance.
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