2. The FOUR RULES OF JOURNALISM Seek the truth and report it. Minimize harm. Act independently. Be accountable. Source: Society of Professional Journalists
3. SEEK THE TRUTH AND REPORT IT. DO NOT plagiarize. DO NOT stage news events. DO NOT use undercover methods of newsgatherings. DO NOT stereotype subjects.
4. SEEK THE TRUTH AND REPORT IT. DO report accurately. Never distort the truth. DO give subjects a chance to respond to allegations. DO identify sources whenever feasible. DO support the open exchange of all views. DO give voice to the voiceless. DO avoid blurring lines between advertising and news.
5. The JAYSON BLAIR AFFAIR This embattled journalist became the face of plagiarism in the news world. He was, at one time, a top reporter at The New York Times. He resigned May 2003. This scandal prompted the creation of ethics codes and ombudsmen at papers
6. The JAYSON BLAIR AFFAIR He forever damaged the credibility of the New York Times Newspaper organizations still struggle to overcome blemishes like this one because readers now know that it can happen anywhere
7. MINIMIZE HARM. DO show compassion for people who may be affected adversely by your coverage, especially children. 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.
8. MINIMIZE HARM 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. DO NOT violate people’s privacy.
9. 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. What do you think?
10. 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.
11. WASHINGTON POST SALONS WaPo offered “meetings” with public officials for a price at the publisher’s home Publisher Weymouth claimed she never approved it, and the idea and flyers were developed in the paper’s marketing department However, emails inviting guests to the gatherings came directly from Weymouth’s office The paper’s PR people called this a “nightmare,” and it has damaged the paper’s credibility
12. WASHINGTON POST SALONS What’s the big deal? Why would Weymouth claim the marketing department did this? How is that any better for the paper? How can WaPo regain its credibility?
13. 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.
14. ORLANDO SENTINEL CODE Conflicts of interest – Affiliations (political, familial, service) Gifts/meals – Why would this be problematic? Anonymity – Is this a good explanation? Decency – Dating sources Unauthorized recordings
15. ORLANDO SENTINEL CODE Why would the OS publicize this code? Is it thorough enough? What’s missing? How should reporters who break these rules be penalized?
16. HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING... When is it okay to publish items that may offend some? When is it okay to air or write potentially sensitive information? When might it be okay to accept items/money for a news story? How can we hold the media accountable for their ethical decisions?
17. FOR TUESDAY QUIZ 4 TOMORROW! Chap. 14 & ethics readings (including this lecture)
