Journalism Ethics

Define Ethics

• rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad

• things society decides for us to do

• rules of behavior based on what we want

• society decides about what is good and bad

Define Journalism

• things society decide are good and bad

• writing fiction stories for news outlets

• collecting information from around the world

• the activity or job of collecting, writing, and editing news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio

Define Journalism Ethics

• the activity or job of collecting, writing, and editing news stories based on behaviors that are morally good

• writing fiction stories for news outlets

• collecting information from around the world

• the activity or job of collecting, writing, and editing news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Assume there is always more than one side of a story.

• Yes

• No

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Do not distort, lie, slant, or hype.

• Yes

• No

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Do not use anonymous sources or blind quotes, except on rare and monumental occasions. No one should ever be allowed to attack another anonymously.

• Yes

• No

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Do not falsify facts or make up quotes

• Yes

• No

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Do nothing I cannot defend.

• Yes

• No

Is this a journalism ethics rule?

Use only anonymous sources.

• Yes

• No

Read the scenario below. Is it ethical?

A student at your school is highlighted on the local TV news. A reporter for the school newspaper uses information from the TV newscast without giving credit to the station. It turns out that several facts from the news report are wrong. You decide to admit your mistake and explain how you got the incorrect information that you used.

• Yes

• No