The JOURNALIST’S CODE

A Lecture on Ethics & Proper Conduct

The FOUR RULES OF JOURNALISM

1. Seek the truth and report it.2. Minimize harm.3. Act independently.4. Be accountable.

Source: Society of Professional Journalists

SEEK THE TRUTH AND REPORT IT.

• DO NOT plagiarize.• DO NOT stage news events. • DO NOT use undercover methods

of newsgatherings.• DO NOT stereotype subjects.

SEEK THE TRUTH AND REPORT IT.

• DO report accurately. Never distort the truth.

• DO give subjects a chance to respond to allegations.

• DO identify sources whenever feasible.• DO support the open exchange of all

views.• DO give voice to the voiceless.• DO avoid blurring lines between

advertising and news.

The JAYSON BLAIR AFFAIR

• This embattled journalist became the face of plagiarism in the news world.

• He was, at one time, a top reporter at The New York Times.

• He resigned May 2003.

• This scandal prompted the creation of ethics codes and ombudsmen at papers

The JAYSON BLAIR AFFAIR

• He forever damaged the credibility of the New York Times

• Newspaper organizations still struggle to overcome blemishes like this one because readers now know that it can happen anywhere

MINIMIZE HARM.

• DO show compassion for people who may be affected adversely by your coverage, especially children.

• DO exercise sensitivity when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

• DO recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort to subjects. Use tact.

MINIMIZE HARM

• DO use caution about identifying juvenile suspects or sex crime victims.

• DO be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

• DO balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

• DO NOT violate people’s privacy.

THE ZODIAC KILLER QUANDARY

• The Zodiac Killer was a serial killer who murdered people in Northern California in the 1960s.

• His identity remains unknown.

• The Zodiac taunted the press in letters. His letters included four cryptograms, three of which remain unsolved.

• At the time, the press was unsure of whether it was ethical to publish the cryptograms. What do you think?

ACT INDEPENDENTLY.

• DO avoid conflicts of interest.• DO NOT accept gifts, favors, fees, free

travel and special treatment.• DO remain free of associations and

activities that may damage your credibility.

• DO NOT bid on news. Beware of sources offering information for favors or money.

• DO disclose unavoidable conflicts.• DO hold those with power

accountable.

WASHINGTON POST SALONS

• WaPo offered “meetings” with public officials for a price at the publisher’s home

• Publisher Weymouth claimed she never approved it, and the idea and flyers were developed in the paper’s marketing department

• However, emails inviting guests to the gatherings came directly from Weymouth’s office

• The paper’s PR people called this a “nightmare,” and it has damaged the paper’s credibility

WASHINGTON POST SALONS

• What’s the big deal?

• Why would Weymouth claim the marketing department did this? How is that any better for the paper?

• How can WaPo regain its credibility?

BE ACCOUNTABLE

• Clarify and explain news coverage.

• Invite dialogue with the public.• Encourage the public to voice

grievances against the news media.

• Admit mistakes. Correct them promptly.

• Expose unethical practices of the media.

ORLANDO SENTINEL CODE

• Conflicts of interest –– Affiliations (political, familial,

service)• Gifts/meals –

– Why would this be problematic?• Anonymity –

– Is this a good explanation?• Decency –

– Dating sources– Unauthorized recordings

ORLANDO SENTINEL CODE

• Why would the OS publicize this code?

• Is it thorough enough? What’s missing?

• How should reporters who break these rules be penalized?

HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING...

• When is it okay to publish items that may offend some?

• When is it okay to air or write potentially sensitive information?

• When might it be okay to accept items/money for a news story?

• How can we hold the media accountable for their ethical decisions?

FOR TUESDAY

• QUIZ 4 TOMORROW!– Chap. 14 & ethics readings

(including this lecture)