Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

What are the four main principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics?

• Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, and Be Accountable and Transparent

• Ignore Truth and Report Fiction, Ignore Harm, Act Dependent, and Be Unreliable and Mysterious

• Avoid Truth and Report Lies, Cause Harm, Act Under Influence, and Be Unaccountable and Opaque

• Make up stories, Maximize Harm, Act Submissively, and Be Secretive

Why is it important for journalists to seek the truth and report it?

• To manipulate public opinion for personal gain

• To provide accurate and truthful information to the public.

• To promote biased and inaccurate information

• To spread misinformation and confuse the public

How does the SPJ Code of Ethics address the issue of minimizing harm?

• By prioritizing the financial success of news organizations over minimizing harm

• By promoting the use of graphic images and details in reporting

• By prioritizing the ethical responsibility of journalists to minimize harm in their reporting and to be sensitive when reporting on traumatic events.

• By encouraging journalists to sensationalize news stories

What does the SPJ Code of Ethics say about acting independently?

• Journalists should act independently.

• Journalists should prioritize the interests of the government over the public

• Journalists should always follow the instructions of their employers

• Journalists should never question the authority of their superiors

Explain the concept of transparency as outlined in the SPJ Code of Ethics.

• Being open and honest with the audience about the sources of information and any potential conflicts of interest.

• Using sensationalism and clickbait headlines

• Being biased and one-sided in reporting

• Hiding the sources of information and any potential conflicts of interest

What are the guidelines for avoiding conflicts of interest according to the SPJ Code of Ethics?

• Being transparent about potential conflicts, acting independently, and avoiding activities that may compromise integrity.

• Hiding potential conflicts, acting in a biased manner, and engaging in activities that may compromise integrity.

• Ignoring potential conflicts, acting dependently, and engaging in activities that compromise integrity.

• Being secretive about potential conflicts, acting under the influence of others, and engaging in activities that may enhance integrity.

How does the SPJ Code of Ethics address the issue of accountability?

• By promoting biased reporting and misinformation

• By allowing journalists to shift blame onto others

• By emphasizing the importance of accuracy, transparency, and taking responsibility for one's work.

• By encouraging journalists to avoid fact-checking

What are the key elements of the SPJ Code of Ethics when it comes to serving the public?

• Spreading misinformation and rumors

• Seeking truth and reporting it, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent.

• Maximizing harm and causing distress

• Acting under the influence of external pressures

Give an example of a situation where a journalist might face ethical dilemmas based on the SPJ Code of Ethics.

• Reporting on a local bake sale

• Reporting on a high-profile criminal case

• Interviewing a celebrity about their new movie

• Covering a community event

How does the SPJ Code of Ethics guide journalists in making decisions about ethical issues?

• By encouraging journalists to prioritize sensationalism over accuracy

• By promoting biased reporting in favor of specific political agendas

• By discouraging journalists from seeking multiple sources for their stories

• By providing a set of principles and guidelines for journalists to follow when facing ethical dilemmas.