Ethics and a Changing World

Tori Knueven

vk036311@ohio.edu

The job of a journalist is always to give the people the truth. Ethics is of the utmost importance in that sense, because the power of the truth or lies can affect the lives of many. Therefore, journalists should not just follow a minimal code of ethics. In order to do their job fully and give the best information possible, journalism depends on an aspirational code.  This code is exceptionally important now that the Internet has become a plethora of knowledge and information. People need a proper source to find news and know that it is true.

The Code

The focus should be on the truth, as in the truth of sources, facts and photos. Since the younger generation gets most of their news from the Internet, the reputation of a journalist is more important today than it was 20 years ago. The moment that reputation is compromised an audience can get their information from any other source. There are also many instances to express opinion. If there is any doubt about the reputation of a journalist, it will be expressed in the comments of an article, on a blog or through any other means of social networking.

The Aspirational Code

The public agrees, it is more difficult and requires more training now to become a successful journalist. In order to achieve a successful professional career, a journalist has to have a clear ethical focus, with as little bias as possible. Bias becomes one of the biggest topics during political elections since some broadcast stations have a reputation for bias toward or against certain political parties. Specific rules against plagiarism have to be enforced. Journalists' main work should be to profess the truth and protect their sources or else they will be attacked and lose the respect of fellow journalists and their audience.

The “Watchdog”

From weknowmemes.com

The news has flourished in the increasingly popular idea of being a “watchdog” since the Pentagon Papers.  Even recently, people wanting to get information to the public have contacted the press. Edward Snowden is now famous, or infamous considering who you ask, for being the whistleblower about the inner workings of the NSA. This article from The New York Times details the extent to media coverage of this information and the drama surrounding the leak. Journalists not only follow the information about the government, but also have to pay attention to the reaction of the entire Internet.

The New Medium

Unlike the Pentagon Papers, the government would have no means of shutting down this information because of the Internet. Snowden is still a popular topic on websites and people wasted no time making a meme of him praising his actions. Journalists have to search through all the commentary and opinions to find a good what the public needs. Since this is the main way people obtain news, they see the meme and then travel to sites like The New York Times to get more information. This article from The Washington Post contributes to the importance of the past and future combined. Even though Daniel Ellsberg did not have anything to do with the NSA, his commentary was important to show support for whistleblowers.

Embrace the Future

Without a proper idea of ethics, survival in the current age of the internet is futile. We may be the “watchdogs,” but the public is the true guard of the truth. The public is increasingly watching the news become a check for the government. Any falsity in reporting will be found and remain in the public eye for a while and even possibly be made into a meme.