Truth in Journalism

Andrew Selhorst
as330215@ohio.edu

Through the years and throughout different forms of journalism, what is considered ethical may have changed slightly. However, there is one variable that has remained a constant, one that has permanently been at the center of being ethical within journalism. That variable is truth.

The exact definition of truth, as provided by the Oxford dictionary is as follows: "the quality or state of being true, that which is in accordance with fact or reality." Many can try to stretch the definition of the word with things like "not telling the whole truth," which means leaving out some minor details of a story to somewhat change the meaning or effects. However, the textbook definition of truth has always been a constant. The truth is whatever happens in reality.

For this class we looked at the ethics code for many major writing institutions: SPJ, RTNDA, ASNE, NPPA, AAF, PRSA, ONA. One major constant stood out within all of these codes: tell the truth. The reason telling the truth is so important to being ethical is because it helps uphold the reputation of journalists. Journalists are expected to be reliable and valid. Citizens rely on journalists to present news, and they expect it to be true. We as journalists must be able to meet those expectations, and being truthful is the number one way to do so.

Truth in journalism is especially important to consider right now, and is very valid with all of today's claims of "fake news." Many high profile people, including the President of the United States, have made claims that journalists and news providers have published what they consider to be fake news. These claims have essentially just said that what is being reported is not true. And while it may or may not be true, when people as high profile as the president are making these claims, it can be hard for those consuming the news to not at least consider that it is not the truth. It is important for journalists to realize this, and especially important for them to continue to make the ethical decision to produce news that is in fact the truth. They must continue to publish stories that have evidence and continue to show that they are committed to providing consumers with the information they want and need, and to prove that they always have and always will provide the truth. When facing this kind of scrutiny, it may be tempting for journalists to give in and do something along the lines of swaying what they report to favor one idea or another. However, they must realize that making ethical decisions is the most important thing to do.

Without being ethical, and without the idea of truth, journalists and news providers lose credibility. Losing credibility leads to the loss of an audience, and ultimately can put the end to a journalist's career. It is our job and our duty as journalists to provide mostly unbiased, factual news to our consumers. Making ethical decisions when publishing stories is the best way to do so, and at the heart of it all is being truthful.

https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/who-we-are/5-principles-of-journalism
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/truth
New York Times Ethical Code