There are few things more important as a journalist than a code of ethics. As has been stated before in this blog, our role as journalists is to seek the TRUTH and report it. But what is the truth? Truth in journalism is based on facts given and corroborated by multiple sources. One of the most important aspects of being an ethical journalist is minimizing harm.
Minimizing harm means that you treat your sources, subjects and colleagues with respect. You have the power to destroy someone's reputation and change their life forever. It is power that we should never take lightly. A journalist must take his/her personal beliefs and feelings out of the equation if he/she wants to minimize harm. Bias in any story could potentially result in damage to someone's reputation even if they don't deserve that damage.
Journalists need to also act independently of other interests, especially of other journalists. The public's right to know needs to be the first and foremost obligation.
They must also be held accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and employers. As we have seen in recent months, several journalists have lost their jobs because of irresponsible comments both on and off the air.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39573726/ns/today-entertainment/
In the above link, Rick Sanchez of CNN expresses his remorse for remarks he made. Like it or not, as a journalist, you are a public figure. Unprofessional comments no matter where you are will get you in trouble. In this world of mass communication, anything you say or do can be put online.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/07/08/CNN-correspondent-fired-over-Twitter-post/UPI-53241278605232/
This article talks about a CNN correspondent who was fired over a Twitter post praising an alleged terrorist. Bad publicity arises from these types of situations, and when bad publicity comes at your hand, the company you work for will have to save face by letting you go.
Bottom line: Bite your tongue. Freedom of speech is real, but it can get you into big trouble as a journalist. We live and die, almost literally, by the first amendment. Our jobs as journalists exist because of it and can be taken away when we abuse it.
Other ethical responsibilities outlined in the book say we must exercise personal conscience and strive for intellectual diversity.
Minimizing harm means that you treat your sources, subjects and colleagues with respect. You have the power to destroy someone's reputation and change their life forever. It is power that we should never take lightly. A journalist must take his/her personal beliefs and feelings out of the equation if he/she wants to minimize harm. Bias in any story could potentially result in damage to someone's reputation even if they don't deserve that damage.
Journalists need to also act independently of other interests, especially of other journalists. The public's right to know needs to be the first and foremost obligation.
They must also be held accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and employers. As we have seen in recent months, several journalists have lost their jobs because of irresponsible comments both on and off the air.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39573726/ns/today-entertainment/
In the above link, Rick Sanchez of CNN expresses his remorse for remarks he made. Like it or not, as a journalist, you are a public figure. Unprofessional comments no matter where you are will get you in trouble. In this world of mass communication, anything you say or do can be put online.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/07/08/CNN-correspondent-fired-over-Twitter-post/UPI-53241278605232/
This article talks about a CNN correspondent who was fired over a Twitter post praising an alleged terrorist. Bad publicity arises from these types of situations, and when bad publicity comes at your hand, the company you work for will have to save face by letting you go.
Bottom line: Bite your tongue. Freedom of speech is real, but it can get you into big trouble as a journalist. We live and die, almost literally, by the first amendment. Our jobs as journalists exist because of it and can be taken away when we abuse it.
Other ethical responsibilities outlined in the book say we must exercise personal conscience and strive for intellectual diversity.
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