Tuesday, 13 October 2015

What are news ethics? R8

What are news ethics and give case studies of news ethics?
In this research task, I will be explaining my findings on ethics in journalism and the general codes of ethics that all journalists are obligated to follow. Ethics of journalism are essential device of self-regulation in the industry of journalism, and provide a necessary reference for journalists to understand their roles, rights and how they can perform their best at their occupation, in the same time providing a standard against which journalist work can be assessed. Moreover, Ethical codes of journalism contribute to the fairness, accuracy and credibility of information, which overall is beneficial for the public.
1)       Journalists must report and interpret honestly, making sure everything is accurate, fair and all facts essential are included. Journalists must not leave out essential facts or give distorting importance to something. They must strive to give a fair opportunity for reply.  An example of a case study whereby this code was ignored would be
2)      Journalists must not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, and religion, physical or academic disability.
3)      Journalists must attempt to attribute their information to its source. If a source wants to be anonymous , then  do not agree to use the source until inspection on the sources motives have been inspected and alternative sources have been viewed as well.
4)      Journalists must not allow personal interests, beliefs, commitment, payments, or personal benefits undermine the accuracy, fairness and credibility of news.
5)      Journalist must remove conflict of interest that affect, or could affect, the accuracy, fairness or credibility of journalism.  They must not use their journalistic position improperly for personal gain.
6)      Journalists must not allow advertising or other commercial influences to affect accuracy, fairness and credibility of news.  
7)      Journalists must do their utmost best to present any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, photographs, stories or information.
8)      Journalists must use fair, responsible and honest way in gathering information and other material. They must identify themselves or their employer before obtaining an interview for broadcast or publication. Journalists must not take advantage of a person's vulnerability or unawareness of media practice.
9)      Journalist must present pictures and sounds that are accurate and have been obtained fairly. Any misleading content should be disclosed.
10)   Journalists must not plagiarize.
11)   Journalist must respect personal privacy and grief. Journalists have the right to resist force to intervene in private matters.
12)   Journalist must do their best to achieve fair modification of errors.


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