How Ethics and Journalism Change with Time

Max Semenczuk

ms498517@ohio.edu

Ethics and journalism are anything but separate, as journalists must adhere to sets of ethical codes for there to be trust in the media from the public. Thankfully, ethics is a fluid concept that can, and will, change with time.

The question we should ask is less so "how has ethics and journalism changed in the past?" but more so, "how will ethics in journalism change in the future, and how can we prepare for it?" Looking at the past is helpful, but focusing too much on it will cause tunnel vision.

There are many constants regarding ethics in journalism. Obvious and omnipresent tenets being: Integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professionalism and accountability, among many other givens (such as remaining neutral, avoiding bias and avoiding maleficence). These are constants that don't change with times. However, the implications of these constants do change. Change is caused by societal advancement culturally, technologically or by any route that is taking place. There are many detailed outlines of journalistic codes, such as SPJ's Code of Ethics.

For journalists now, a timely concern is preserving objectivity and balance. In all places of the world, there are news organizations that are discredited because they cannot set a boundary between editorial and news. It's an easy trap to fall in, as it will get the organization an easy following, but this approach to story telling is universally panned by all journalistic codes. 

Likewise, another especially timely concern is preserving anonymity where is it due. The ubiquity of cameras and cell phones alike makes taking photos very easy. For journalists, this is great news; however, not everyone wants their photo in a news story. Not everyone aspires to be seen online.

Photo source: givingcompass.org

 

Issues regarding tech are new and uncharted territory. Things that were once benign, such as including an address, can now be damaging because of newly established issues such as swatting. Journalists should be held accountable for the role they play in keeping the people in their stories safe.

The best way to prepare for a new web-oriented journalistic era is to think empathetically. Not much of a surprise here, as that is the core tenant for ethics as a whole. Journalists must think of themselves on the same plane as their readers, and to not establish a complex relationship, especially when it comes to talking on sensitive or political issues.

To enter a new world of ethics, journalists must not look for a change in ethics itself, but instead in its application and methodology. 

Methodology of feedback has drastically changed as well. Gone are the days of sending a letter to the editor, but instead commenting on article, or e-mailing the author or editor. Feedback is instant, and journalists and news organizations must capitalize on the luxuries of an online environment.

Change is constant, especially in a world changing as rapidly as ours.