Alex Fredecker
af333117@ohio.edu
At its core, journalism is obtaining and distributing news and information. This concept is not new to most but has existed for over five centuries.
However, the means of acquiring such information is often disguised as ethical journalism or entirely undisclosed to the public.
One of these means of obtainment is labeled as checkbook journalism. According to the Society of Professional Journalists, checkbook journalism is "the practice of paying for information" and is a significant contributor to the corruption found within the industry.
The Purpose of Checkbook Journalism
While some sources may feel an ethical obligation or have a personal reason for reporting information, others may feel at risk to disclose what they know or see the reporter as a gateway to acquiring a profit. Therefore, reporters often resort to paying these sources to obtain pertinent information.
An example of checkbook journalism that has occurred in the past is Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential election campaign. Throughout this campaign, Clinton was accused of having an affair with an Arkansas state government worker, Gennifer Flowers.
As Clinton denied these allegations, reporters became more and more curious about Flowers' side of the story. Finally, to convince Flowers to reveal the truth of the situation, several reporters paid her thousands of dollars for information and interviews.
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| Gennifer Flowers on-air discussing said affair Photo provided by CNN |
Although she was at risk of losing her job and reputation, Flowers came forward after receiving several generous offers. Although this may seem unrealistic, as it is an infamous case involving several critical public figures, these scenarios also occur on a smaller scale.
Conflict of Interests Within Checkbook Journalism
Although reporters may often feel that they are left with no choice in gathering information but paying the price, this choice is also labeled as corrupt and unethical by many. Therefore, the conflicts of interest within checkbook journalism lie between the reporter, source, and public.
If a reporter chooses to compensate a source for valued information, they succumb to the risk of said source simply stating what they believe the reporter wants to hear to make a profit. Although this is not always the case, it creates the possibility of spreading false news to the public. Then conflicts of interest occur as the need for a story, the want for money, and the right to the truth meet.
Should Checkbook Journalism Be Outlawed?
Although checkbook journalism is not considered illegal, it is undoubtedly deemed unethical by several news organizations, including the Society of Professional Journalists. For example, SPJ's Code of Ethics warns journalists to "Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news."
Therefore, checkbook journalism can undoubtedly be considered controversial; however, should it be outlawed entirely?
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