| Chapter 6
Journalism
Ethics: Code of Ethics
By
David Krajicek
Here are excerpts from the ethics codes of four major journalism
organizations:
Society
of Professional Journalists
"Public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the
foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further
those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive
account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all
media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness
and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's
credibility."
Other major points:
- Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering,
reporting and interpreting information.
- Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues
as human beings deserving of respect.
- Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest
other than the public's right to know.
- Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners,
viewers and each other.
Associated
Press Managing Editors
- Responsibility. A good newspaper is fair, accurate, honest,
responsible, independent, and decent. Truth is its guiding principle…The
newspaper should serve as a constructive critic of all segments
of society. Editorially, it should advocate needed reform or innovations
in the public interest. It should expose wrongdoing or misuse of
power, public or private.
- Accuracy. The newspaper should guard against inaccuracies,
carelessness, bias, or distortion through either emphasis or omission.
It should admit all substantive errors and correct them promptly
and prominently.
- Integrity. The newspaper should strive for impartial treatment
of issues and dispassionate handling of controversial subjects.
It should provide a forum for the exchange of comment and criticism…The
newspaper should report the news without regard for its own interests.
- Conflicts of Interest. Involvement in such things as politics,
community affairs, demonstrations, and social causes that could
cause a conflict of interest…should be avoided.
American
Society of Newspaper Editors
"The First Amendment…places on newspaper people a particular
responsibility. Thus journalism demands of its practitioners not
only industry and knowledge but also the pursuit of a standard of
integrity proportionate to the journalist's singular obligation."
Other major points:
- Responsibility. The primary purpose of gathering and distributing
news and opinion is to serve the general welfare by informing the
people and enabling them to make judgments on the issues of the
time.
- Journalists must avoid impropriety and the appearance of
impropriety as well as any conflict of interest or the appearance
of conflict.
- Truth and Accuracy. Good faith with the reader is the foundation
of good journalism. Every effort must be made to assure that the
news content is accurate, free from bias and in context, and that
all sides are presented fairly.
- Impartiality. Articles that contain opinion or personal
interpretation should be clearly identified.
- Fair Play. Journalists should respect the rights of people
involved in the news, observe the common standards of decency and
stand accountable to the public for the fairness and accuracy of
their news reports. Persons publicly accused should be given the
earliest opportunity to respond. Pledges of confidentiality to news
sources must be honored at all costs…Unless there is clear
and pressing need to maintain confidences, sources of information
should be identified.
Radio-Television
News Directors Association
"Professional electronic journalists should operate as trustees
of the public, seek the truth, report it fairly and with integrity
and independence, and stand accountable for their actions."
Other major points:
- Public trust: The first obligation is to the public.
- Truth: Pursue truth aggressively and present the news accurately,
in context, and as completely as possible.
- Fairness: Present the news fairly and impartially, placing
primary value on significance and relevance…Treat all subjects
with respect, exercise special care when children are involved in
a story, inform the public without bias or stereotype, present a
diversity of expressions, opinions, and ideas in context, and present
analytical reporting based on professional perspective, not personal
bias.
- Integrity: Present the news with integrity and decency,
avoiding conflicts of interest, and respect the dignity and intelligence
of the audience as well as the subjects of news…Identify sources
whenever possible, and use hidden cameras or microphones only if
there is no other way to obtain stories of significant public importance.
Do not pay news sources or accept gifts.
- Independence: Report news without fear or favor, and vigorously
resist undue influence from any outside forces, including advertisers
and special interest groups.
- Accountability: Journalists are accountable for their actions
to the public, the profession, and themselves. Investigate complaints
and correct errors promptly.
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