Ethics in Journalism

      One of the most important duties we have as journalists is to be ethical. Thousands of people rely on the daily news and thus the importance of this true principle. In the book Elements of Journalism, a lot of emphasis is placed on the fact that “journalists have an obligation to exercise their personal conscience.” In other words, we are responsible to have a moral/ethical compass and then voice our opinions based on this compass.

      The activity which we participated in in class is a perfect example. One of the issues was a serial killer who flattens a woman’s car tire and then offer to help her but instead abduct, rape and kill her. The issue with this was that the police had not caught the man and if the style of his attacks was revealed then he may change them and make it harder to catch him. It was interesting to see both sides from various people in the class. On one side you want to alert the public of this man to protect them. However, oppositely you want to catch him as fast and as soon as possible and thus stop the casualties. This was an excellent example of ethical issues which we will be faced with in the future.

As we are ethical in our decisions in the news industry we will only gain the trust and respect of the public as a reliable source of news. A previous editor of CBC news, Tony Burman, said that “Every news organization has only its credibility and reputation to rely on.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journalism_ethics_and_standards Thus, the importance of us as future news workers and suppliers to make ethical decisions that will benefit everyone.

      To ensure that employees are making ethical decisions many companies implement codes of ethics. One such is this example from the New York Times Company: http://www.nytco.com/press/ethics.html This particular code, as well as others, outlines the duty the company has to the citizens, such as the the way in which news is collected and protecting their neutrality.

      Despite these type of documents however, it is increasingly important that we have our own code of ethics by which we live our lives. It will be in living these personal codes that we will not only be better employees but we will help to create a better society on both a broad and a personal level. Elder David A. Bednar always told his children three important things to remember as they left home: “1) Remember that you represent the Savior. 2) Remember that you represent your family. 3) Remember that you represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” www.byui.edu/transcripts/graduation/2003_04_26_bednar.htm (accessed October 14, 2004) We as Latter-day Saints have this same duty and obligation as we enter the force. People will not only judge us based on our decisions and actions, they will also judge the church. Thus the importance of each one of us making a decision to live our lives in such a way that is befitting of a member of this wonderful Church and as a believer in Jesus Christ. Let us therefore choose today to live by our personal compass despite what others voices may say.

Here's looking at you!

      Last week we talked about the important role of journalism as a watchdog. Since hearing this term I have always thought that it just meant watching the government. However, it means more than just keeping an eye on government. It also means watching any large organization which could infringe on the rights and safety of U.S. Citizens. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchdog_journalism

      In journalism, I feel that the term watchdog is also synonymous with the term muckraking. Muckrakers keep watch over large organizations to ensure that they don't overstep themselves. http://www.enotes.com/history/q-and-a/what-muckraking-journalism-286227 An example of muckraking also playing a role as watchdog is the book The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. This book exposed the corruption of the American meatpacking industry during the early 1900's. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle As a result of this exposure to the corruption in the meatpacking industry, the government created the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These organizations are a direct effect of good watchdog journalism because Upton Sinclair did what journalism was intended to do.

      Despite the important role of the press as a watchdog, its role as such has been weakened. This, I feel, is a great tragedy. Since the founding of the nation, journalism has played the important role of ensuring what the founders of the country called an informed citizenry. http://www.alternativeradio.org/products/mccr009 We must, therefore, ensure that we live and report by a personal code of conduct. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “we believe in being honest, true etc.” As we live by these standards as well as our own moral code we will ensure that journalism plays the role it was intended. We will strengthen journalism's role as a watchdog instead of adding to the current weakening that has take place.

I'm Independent

     What does it mean to be independent? Why is this such an important value? I feel that this is one of the most important and fundamental principles which we as journalists can develop. The fourth principle of journalism states that “Journalists must maintain an independence from those they cover.” I liked this quote which explains the importance of independence: “Independence is the essence of our reputation as a “stateless” global news organization and fundamental to the trust that allows us to report impartially from all sides of a conflict or dispute.” http://handbook.reuters.com/index.php/Independence

      I found it interesting that this independence is applicable on several levels. One of the important things which we must be independent from is factions. If we are to truly give an unbiased and fair article or story we must be free from any form of faction which could hinder us. William Safire is an excellent example of being able to be independent from faction despite your background. His background as a speechwriter for President Nixon put him completely on the biased side when he was in politics. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/us/28safire.html However, once a journalist he developed and showed his independence from the Nixon administration and in doing so, showed us a excellent example of the importance of becoming independent in journalism.

      It is therefore just as important for us to be independent. As we strive to gain independence from those we cover we will be able to write better, more effective stories. Independence will enable us to give a well-rounded story that will do justice to those that it is about and to those who read it. I like the quote “the press creates a common language understood by everyone in the community.” It creates this common language in the community and we therefore have a duty to each and every person in that community. It was taught in the presentation that “The public feel a class divide between those who produce the news and those who receive it.” As we strive for independence in all aspects, whether social or otherwise, we will break down this division and further establish this commonality that will unite and “bind society together, making them among the most vital forces in the maintenance of any society and fundamental to democratic government and a free society.” http://journalism.cmich.edu/forStudents/programs/