Journalism Code of Ethics: Voluntary, Yet Vital

Alex Fredecker

af333117@ohio.edu

As the news sources available to readers multiply each year, journalists report accurate yet captivating information. However, as readers, we are also strongly recommended to evaluate said information based on the speed at which it is reported and its adherence to a set of ethical guidelines.  

All professional journalism associations and other online news organizations must consider the impact of their writing on the public regarding truthfulness, accuracy, accountability, and several other essential factors. The Society of Professional Journalists, or SPJ, has established four principles that encourage ethical journalism. 

What is the SPJ's Code of Ethics?

According to the Society of Professional Journalists, these principles are as follows: "Seek Truth and Report It," "Minimize Harm," "Act Independently," and "Be Accountable and Transparent." Although these principles may appear to be common knowledge, the difficulty lies within the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

Difficulty in Enforcing a Code of Ethics

As the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Therefore, the Society of Professional Journalists can't enforce a Code of Ethics through a quasi-judicial system without impeding citizens' rights to free speech and press. 

If It's Not Legally Enforced, What's the Point?

Although this code is voluntary, it does provide an essential framework to judge news reports upon. And doing so may serve as a guideline for the public to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Even though it is not a legal mandate, the SPJ's Code of Ethics is vital to both the public and journalists. For the public to form accurate and encompassing opinions and decisions regarding their surrounding world, individuals must first trust that the information they are basing said thoughts on is distributed truthfully. 

The New York Times is a news organization that does an outstanding job pursuing ethical journalism. As stated on the organization's website, "The goal of The New York Times is to cover the news as impartially as possible — 'without fear or favor,' in the words of Adolph Ochs, our patriarch — and to treat readers, news sources, advertisers and others fairly and openly, and to be seen to be doing so." 

Adolph Ochs, former owner of The New York Times 

Photo provided by Archbridge Institute 

SPJ's Code of Ethics is not only encouraged but crucial in the combat against "fake news" once and for all. Both journalists and the public can strive for this by assessing news reports and publicly exposing those that evade one or more of these principles.