Ethical Journalism in a Digital World

Katie Millard

km053019@ohio.edu

Journalism is an ancient human concept. According to Britannica, the first journalistic product dates back to before 59 BCE, a daily Roman news sheet called the Acta Diurna. Since then, journalism has appeared worldwide, reflecting humanity's natural curiosity. Now, more than ever, information is abundant and accessible. In the digital era, anyone can seek out news and information in a matter of seconds. This shift in how news is presented and accessed transformed the ability to reach an audience and present information. Anyone with Internet access can publish information with the potential to reach vast audiences. Among falsities and fabrications, ethical journalism is more important than ever. Unfortunately, it is more difficult to achieve than ever as well. How do journalists translate traditional journalistic ethics into the digital world?

Acta Diurna: https://www.sutori.com/en/item/131-bc-acta-diurna-the-acta-diurna-sometimes-translated-as-daily-public-recor

Above all, journalism values truth and fact. Online platforms have not changed this, but they have generated distrust. The ability for anyone to publish information online leads to a lot of unprofessional, potentially inaccurate journalism. That, coupled with growing skepticism of professional media organizations, is especially evident in the United States. According to a 2021 Poynter survey, 29% of Americans trust the news as a whole, ranking last out of 49 surveyed countries. It is difficult for journalists to promise truth when their audience distrusts their information.

The primary goal of journalism is to serve the public with factual, verified information. While the truth is unwavering as a concept, it can be swayed mainly in practice. The facts themselves remain consistent and authentic, but they remain untrue in practice if no one believes them. Take, for instance, a fake murder investigation. If Joe kills Lucy, but the police believe Jesse is the murderer, the truth only impacts if it is believed. If Jesse is charged for the murder, the consequences don't consider the truth, only the perceived truth.

The same is true for anything. Even if something factual is reported, it will not have its intended impact if it is not believed. Thus, it is essential journalists regenerate a reputation for fact and truth. 

Traditional ethics in journalism frequently involve truth, independence, and accountability. Journalists need to transfer these values to fit the modern platform, not only reporting as sole informants backed by the weight of print or broadcast news but as online reporters and competing with fellow professionals and amateurs. Traditional ethics must be adhered to and taken beyond what was previously sufficient. 

Reporters must verify the information before making their reporting process available. Cite sources, explain how sources were picked, and establish their credentials. Supply professional information, too, offering contact information for curious audiences (such as the email at the top of this article). As organizations and as individuals, anyone reporting the news must go out of their way to establish a reliable character. Admit mistakes and strive hard not to make them. Address critiques. Journalism is not only a tool for the community, but it is also a part of the community, and it will establish trust if it allows itself to serve that role. 

In the Digital age, journalistic ethics are challenged daily. To combat anti-media sentiments and claims of bias, journalists must publicly value transparency and truth and consider establishing connections and trust with their audience just as influential as the stories they write.