I Can't Answer That

Cassidy Wilson 

cassidyleighhh@gmail.com 

 

Seeking relevance is key in the world of reporting and public relations. The entirety of our jobs as journalists and public relations experts is to provide information to the public. 

Luckily, there is a code of ethics to follow in both professions that helps us decipher right from wrong when there is a challenge at hand. However, what happens when you are put in a difficult situation regarding confidential information? 

The article, PRSA Chief Blasts Hope Hicks' Self-Confessed 'White Lies' is an example of a tough situation in PR where a professional went wrong and was called out for their actions. 

Hope Hicks, the White House communications director was working for President Trump and was caught covering up information and lying to the media. 

When other PR experts found out about her wrongdoing they were appalled and said her activities were an obstruction of justice. 

At the end of the article PRSA chairman Anthony D'Angelo said that every PR professional should reference the Code of Ethics. 

When dealing with the privacy of others and handling a difficult situation, D'Angelo believes it is professionally acceptable to say, "I can't answer that, and here's the reason why." 

I found it very interesting that instead of trying to put out some type of story or release information, it is professional to simply say you cannot answer something. 

It makes sense in the long run because you are being ethical and cannot get blasted for your wrongdoings like Hicks did. 

I suppose I would rather not have information on something than be caught lying. As stated in the PRSA Code of Ethics, "The level of public trust PRSA members seek, as we serve the public good, means we have taken on a special obligation to operate ethically." 

Source: https://agraham6.wordpress.com/author/agraham6/

 

The field of PR seems like it could be challenging for many reasons. You are essentially trying to maintain a positive reputation of a well-known company/person despite the challenges you face. 

News and information journalism is also a challenging career path, but I am glad it is the route I chose because after reading various articles on PR, the roles are very different. 

In PR you are specifically targeting an audience whereas in journalism you are publishing the news in interest of the public. 

One similarity between the two is that they both have a code of ethics in order to carry out ethical responsibilities.