Q: "Ethical Journalism is a Contradiction in Terms" discuss.
Humbert Wolfe (1930) .
To many, Ethical journalism would be considered as an example of an oxymoron, that never the Twain shall meet. Others however do suggest that the two have an affinity. Belsey & Chadwick (1992:1) demonstrate that there is no contradiction between ethics and journalism.
"Much of the practice of journalism must be described and analysed in terms of a set of concepts which are essentially ethical, such as freedom, objectivity, truth, honesty, privacy. Even democracy, the context in which so much discussion of the media takes place, is really an ethical term". (Belsey & Chadwick 1992:1).
Thus that is to say that you can't talk about journalism without talking about ethics. This essay will therefore discuss the role of ethics in the press, and discuss some obstructions that can hinder and options that can enforce ethical journalism. Can these two words really live in harmony or are they as compatible as Clinton and Bush??!!.
One of the first things to consider is what the word ethical means and also what it means to be ethical to a journalist. Seib & Fitzpatrick (1995:29) state that ethics are a set a values that are "Morally acceptable by individuals and throughout society, and are used as a basis of human behaviour". It is the expected standard that we choose to live up to. Ethical codes are less about laws and rules and more about "serving to create a collective conscience."(Keeble, 2001:131) Laws according to Seib & Fitzpatrick (1997:12). "Determine what can be done, Ethics determine what should be done." In relation to journalism, ethics are a code of principles that a journalist should try and adhere to in order for them to do their job in an honest and responsible way. .
The first statement in The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) code of conduct is that "A Journalist has the duty to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.
Next I looked at the differences between pure citizen journalism and media lead citizen journalism. ... Which will lead me on to my studies toward citizen journalism. Citizen journalism was once a costly and demanding role. ... The second chapter will look at the two prominent variations in citizen journalism. ... How we can help those taking part in qualification free journalism. ...
Once all of his lies and ethical misconduct was exposed, Blair resigned. This raises ethical questions of not only the reporters writing stories, but also their editors and the entire newsroom. ... It reflects poorly on all journalists, and turned out to be a journalism ethics nightmare. ...
The author then moves onto the ethical issues aroused because of that: journalism is a part of media and it communicates information in a way that whatever is shown via print media or television is actual and true, therefore it can lead to form a strong basis for viewpoint and perception about the world of the audience. Journalism also means conveying a real story or incident in such a way that it reaches out to the highest number of readers. ... According to Quinn, one way of exploiting news value is to get the most of truth in managing the picture modification, because, when journalism does ...
When journalism is chosen as a career, society tends to have a stereotypical image of a group of photographers chasing celebrities. ... As common sense, money is essential for survival and the average income of journalism is adequate. ... Like mentioned above, income is a big attraction of journalism with the bonus of travel as part of the job. ... For whatever purpose of choosing journalism as a career, it is a recommendable option. ... For those who see journalism as a passion, the income and other offers in the job would be a bonus. ...
When journalism is chosen as a career, society tends to have a stereotypical image of a group of photographers chasing celebrities. ... As common sense, money is essential for survival and the average income of journalism is adequate. ... Like mentioned above, income is a big attraction of journalism with the bonus of travel as part of the job. ... For whatever purpose of choosing journalism as a career, it is a recommendable option. ... For those who see journalism as a passion, the income and other offers in the job would be a bonus. ...
My obsession with Journalism has inspired me to believe in the many lifelong goals I am able to accomplish. ... I would like to pursue a career in the field of Journalism because of my desire to share the information I receive. ... I would have never thought that a single field such as Journalism would open so many doors to my career path. ... Although an extensive amount of research is still necessary to assure that Journalism is the right career for me, I can not picture myself pursuing a career in any other field since Journalism has had such an enormous impact in my life in such a shor...
My obsession with Journalism has inspired me to believe in the many lifelong goals I am able to accomplish. ... I would like to pursue a career in the field of Journalism because of my desire to share the information I receive. ... I would have never thought that a single field such as Journalism would open so many doors to my career path. ... Although an extensive amount of research is still necessary to assure that Journalism is the right career for me, I can not picture myself pursuing a career in any other field since Journalism has had such an enormous impact in my life in such a shor...
"There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and shame the devil."- Walter Lippmann Investigative journalism plays an important role in our society. Usually this form of journalism tries to unravel the truth by exposing facts and evidences. ... Turning the pages of history back, there are a lot of examples which show that this form of journalism involves a lot of risk and serious consequences. ... Her determination to journalism made her one of the greatest female journalist in Bulgaria and not only. ...
