Taylor Abreu
Following a strict code of ethics regarding journalism just isn’t practical, and here’s why. One of the core values of journalism is to “seek truth and report it." Another is to "minimize harm." Obviously, if one reports all truths without flinching, we will inevitably do great harm, and if one minimizes harm as much as possible, one will not be reporting essential truths” (Society of Professional Journalists).
Being a journalist involves following your best judgement. If following the rules does not allow for the complete and uncensored story to be told, then some rules need to be broken. However, it is up to the journalist’s best judgement to make that call. Following this fine line is a difficult feat, which is why I think following the rules is for chumps (to a degree).
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| https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fake-online-news-spreads-through-social-echo-chambers/ |
This is would be a good time to say that not following the rules all the time is not necessarily a good thing either. Applying rules even fifty percent of the time can easily lead to a heavy influx of “fake news” and stories put out simply for entertainment and to sell papers. This is obviously not what we mean when we say, “it’s okay to break the rules when you deem it fit”.
In best practice, not following the rules would only apply to specific cases. Cases in which a story NEEDS to be released for the betterment of the public or society as a whole. This is why a code of ethics is still essential and instilled within every journalistic organization. We have to have some kind of rule book to refer back to in gray area cases. Unfortunately, not every case is black and white with a clear distinction as to what the “right thing” to do is.
Another issue is one of opinion. A journalist is supposed to have a strong opinion and think independently while also remaining accountable. This poses another slippery slope that journalists have to follow.
Journalists have to be polarized in their opinions, but expressing too much opinion without facts is not typically encouraged, “Economically, mainstream newsrooms who uphold traditional principles such as impartiality increasingly feel compelled to move toward a more opinionated or partisan approach to news and commentary. To be impartial is said to be boring to viewers. Audiences are said to be attracted to strong opinion and conflicts of opinion” (Ward).
Overall, journalists need to take their code of ethics with a grain of salt. Not every rule was meant to be followed, but not every rule was meant to be broken either. Remaining aware of these codes while piecing together a story is imperative for fair and accurate reporting. However, you need to go with your best judgement on what information needs to be reported and what information needs to be omitted.
References
“Ethics Answers.” Society of Professional Journalists, www.spj.org/ethicsfaq.asp
Ward, Stephen J.A. “Digital Media Ethics.” Center for Journalism Ethics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, ethics.journalism.wisc.edu/resources/digital-media-ethics/
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