OPINION: Ethics In Journalism
OPINION: Ethics In Journalism
What does a journalist owe his/her audience?
By William Jones And D. S. Mitchell
Society of Professional Journalists
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with honesty and integrity. There are four fundamental principles at the foundation of ethical journalism and the Society encourages their use in practice across all media.
1.) Seeking Truth And Reporting It.
Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information.
2.) Minimal harm
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues, and public members as human beings deserving of respect.
3) Acting independently
The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.
4.) Being accountable and transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.