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)
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