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 report accurately. Never distort the truth.
• DO give subjects a chance to respond to allegations.
• DO NOT stage news events.
• DO identify sources whenever feasible.
• DO support the open exchange of all views.
• DO NOT use undercover methods of newsgatherings.
• DO give voice to the voiceless.
• DO NOT stereotype subjects.
• DO avoid blurring lines between advertising and news.
The JAYSON BLAIR AFFAIR
• This embattled journalist became the unfortunate face of plagiarism in the news world.
• He was, at one time, a top reporter at The New York Times.
• He resigned May 2003.
• Blair has admitted to a drug problem. Would you have fired him?
THE DON IMUS INCIDENT
• In 2007, Don Imus, a famous radio talk
show host, called the Rutgers’ lady basketball team, “Nappy headed ho’s.”
• CBS fired him. • Soon, he got his job
back, and hired an African American woman to be his co-host.
• Was it right for media outlets to play his soundbite, even though it was truthful? Take a listen.
MINIMIZE HARM.
• DO show compassion for people who may be affected adversely by your coverage, especially children.
• DO NOT violate people’s privacy.• 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.
• 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.
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.
THE VIRGINIA TECH MURDERS
• On April 16, 2007, a Virginia Tech student took the lives of 32 people and wounded many others on campus.
• The massacre was the deadliest shooting incident by a single gunman in United States history, on or off a school campus.
• Immediately after the killings, a tape featuring the gunman surfaced. Would you have aired it?
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.
THE armstroNG WILLIAMS SCANDAL
• In 2005, Pres. Bush paid conservative talk show host Armstrong Williams $240,000 to endorse the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Williams called the decision “bad judgment.”
• His newspaper column and show were dropped.
Source: Washington Post
“Administration Paid Commentator”
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.
HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING...
• When is it okay to play sound bites that may offend some?
• When is it okay to air or write potentially sensitive information?
• When might it be okay to accept payment for a news story?
• How can we hold the media accountable for their ethical decisions?
