Modernizing Journalism Ethics

Samantha Romstadt
sr448016@ohio.edu

Living in a world where the media is always adapting and changing to fit ever-changing technology can lead to many ethical dilemmas for journalists. Nearly everyone has access to the world with a simple click of a button whether it be on a smartphone or laptop and it is with this access that journalists can be put in difficult situations deciding what to share and what to withhold, knowing that it could be a fellow journalist or just a citizen that releases the story instead of you.

It is important the journalists have guidelines to follow and use to aid in their decision making, but it is also important to remember that each situation is unique whether it be a news story or advertisement for a new product on the market. As the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) said, journalists are "committed to encouraging the profession and the public to evaluate all reporting and reportage in ethical terms, not to apply rules." Ethics is not a one size fits all concept, meaning that a set of rules cannot be applied to every situation because of different circumstances. Quill, a magazine by SPJ, shared 10 lessons in journalism ethics and the importance of the truth, something that is necessary for journalists and and media consumers to both know.

Journalism has seen an increase in scrutiny, especially in recent years, and with an increase in the exposure of wrongdoing by a few there has been an increase in lack of trust for all. Many are unaware of what journalists actually do and many are quick to jump in and attack the profession because of this lack of understanding. Journalists of every field are faced with the balancing act of seeking and reporting the truth while also working to minimize harm by sharing that truth. The New York Times has a great article outlining guidelines for specific industries, such as sports or travel, which is important for the public to be aware of because journalism is more than just writing a story or advertising a product. There is a need for the information but at what cost? That is the journalist's job to weigh the harm that could be done, for example sharing a story that the government does not want released. The public has a right to know, but it is also important to weigh why the government wants it kept secret. Is it a security issue? Conspiracy? The list goes on and on but ethical journalists are aware that if they don't share the story in the right way, someone with bad intentions may do it anyway. Again, a balancing act.

It would be easy if there was just a list of rules every journalist had to follow but in a country where we are lucky enough to have freedom of speech and the press, rules are simply guidelines. Journalism isn't going anywhere, no matter who or what tries to kill the time-tested profession, so it is essential that journalists are focused more than ever on sharing the truth, giving a voice to those who have long been silent and holding those in power accountable. Living ethically should apply to everyone, especially in such a digital age. Understanding the consequences of one's actions is applicable to every journalistic situation. With that in mind, one is able to make a decision he/she is proud of and can stand behind even if others disagree because again, ethics are guidelines not rules that are always adjusting as the world continues to be more and more digitalized.

Image from The Conversation