Delaney Ruth
delaneyruth18@gmail.com
Journalism has always been an efficient and effective way of informing the public, but it was not, and still is not, always ethical. Starting in 1923, ethical codes started to be introduced to news outlets all over the world and a lot of the same rules are still as relevant as they were in the early 20th century.
Picture source: Society of Professional Journalists
Most codes of ethics in journalism have many of the same basic rules. These include truth and accuracy above all else, transparency, acting independently, and minimizing harm with each story a journalist is involved in. Certain codes, especially those that give rules to news and information journalists, go even more in depth. They recite specific examples of what to do and what not to do. These include forbidding any journalists to accept gifts, special treatment, or endorsements because this creates a conflict of interest.
The New York Times is an example of a very specific ethical code, especially when explaining their policy on accepting gifts of any form. The Times explicitly states in their code that members of their staff can not accept free or discounted tickets for events, stays at hotels, or any form of transportation. The only members of their staff that may accept free tickets are ones that review artistic performances or athletic events. Stating exactly how members of a staff must act is a great way to keep journalists in check. If they are told exactly what they can and can not do, it is harder for journalists to disobey ethical codes and get away with it.
Without these codes of ethics, where would journalism be? While I'm not completely sure of what the answer is, it is clear to me that journalism would be a dangerous profession, meaning that the press would be allowed to give inaccurate information to the public. This would result in lies and unfair stories that share what the journalist wants you to know, not necessarily the truth.
While journalism has most definitely evolved since the early 20th century, there are still news outlets today that have questionable ethics. A prime example is the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail is also known for being incorrect and biased. There are multiple articles showing off the site's worst headlines of all time, like this one from the Huffington Post.
The ethical codes of journalism are not made to restrict journalists or make their jobs harder, but to provide a set of standards that all journalists must follow. The press would absolutely be a free-for-all if these codes were not in place, making America truly a country full of "fake news" as President Trump would say. Thankfully because of codes of ethics, we do not have to live in that country.
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