an077811@ohio.edu
After reading the SPJ, the RTDNA, the NPPA, the PRSA and several other organizations Codes of Ethics I feel like I know the four things that all journalists seem to be in agreement about that isn't that far out of normal human beliefs.
Truth: Every Code of Ethics I read had some sort of section on truth. Many of them starting with the words "Seek the Truth." I think as journalism students that is really all we can do. We don't really have any other motives besides learning about how to be a journalist in the best way possible. So the chances of us not reporting the truth as students I don't think is very high. The excerpt I liked the best was, "Online journalists should uphold traditional high principles in reporting original news for the Internet and in reviewing and corroborating information from other sources" (Online News Association).
Bribes/being swayed: It was very interesting that all of the Codes of Ethics had something about not accepting gifts or payment to run a story or sway a certain way. I find this line more interesting as a student journalist and not as clear. When I am coming up with story ideas I ask my friends. If they are involved in something that I find interesting angle to take on I am more likely to do the story because I know someone involved in it. I think this could take a turn into something a little more biased, even if you're not getting paid or anything, just a unintentional favor to your friend. One of the excepts I liked the best for this example was, "Present analytical reporting based on professional perspective, not personal bias" (RTDNA).
Duty to the Public: It is quite evident that all of these organizations want to do what their doing in the public interest. More journalists would argue that this idea is the most important. As a student journalist I find this to be quite difficult. I would say about half of my peers read the campus publications for fun or personal interest. I think it is quite difficult to reach that other half of students that don't really care about reading about what the City of Athens talked about at their city council meeting last week. In a general sense though, that is what we are here for, the public, but when certain audiences don't really care about what's going on, it's hard to feel like you're accomplishing anything. The excerpt I liked the best was, "We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent. We provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate" (PRSA).
Follow the law: I think this one kind of speaks for itself, but I think that it is important for the public to remember that journalists aren't above the law, they have the same access to certain documents as the public does. Journalists just have connections so they can get the information more quickly and can check its reliability. I am taking media law and media ethics at the same time, and I really am enjoying the overlap between the ideas that we discuss in both classes. An example of a code of ethics about following the law I liked was, "Advertisers should follow federal, state and local advertising laws, and cooperate with industry self-regulatory programs for the resolution of advertising practices" (Advertising Ethics).
I think it is important that we think of ethics as a guideline and not actual rules, but we understand the law is important in making ethical decisions. I think as a student journalist I am well on my way to being the best journalist possible, as long as I keep my personal values close.
In conclusion I would like to share this short video with you because I think it is short, sweet and to the point about ethics.
Video courtesy of YouTube.com.
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