Chapter 4 Flashcards
What does the first amendment not require?
Fairness, balance, or adherence to an ethics code
What is the public perception of media?
Distrust due to perceived bias, errors, and sensationalism
What is the distinction between ethics and morality
Ethics stems from journalistic duty, morality from religion
Teleological ethics
Focus on outcomes and consequences
(Ex. lying to expose corruption)
Deontological ethics
Focus on moral principles
(Ex. lying is always wrong.)
What are three major ethical violations?
- Plagiarism. (Jayson Blair, Janet Cooke)
- Misreporting. (60 Minutes II using forged documents)
- Media sensationalism. (Tiger Woods personal life coverage)
Solutions
Always attribute sources, verify facts, and minimize harm
Informative role
Providing news to enable citizen participation
Deliberative role
Presenting diverse viewpoints for public debate
Agenda-setting role
Media’s power to highlight issues
Watchdog journalism
Holding power accountable through investigative journalism
What are the four key principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Ethics Code (SPJ) ?
- Seek truth and report it.
- Minimize harm.
- Act independently.
- Be accountable.
Ethical guidelines are advisory not _______
Legally enforceable
What is the importance of protecting sources and investigative journalism?
ssential to ensuring that the press can effectively serve its role in informing the public, holding the powerful accountable, and maintaining a transparent and just society.
Legal protections vary by ______?
State. There are shield laws in 40 states.
Supreme Court case Branzburg V Hayes (1972)
Journalist are not immune from subpoenas, but dissenting opinion supported press freedom
Credibility
Public trust and journalism
Plagiarism
Using another work without attribution
Ethical dilemma
A choice between competing ethical values
Shield laws
State laws protecting journalists from revealing sources
Reporters privilege
The Right to keep sources confidential
what are some major ethical collapses in journalism’s consequences?
Consequences: Loss of credibility, legal repercussions, public distrust, and potential harm to society due to misinformation.
What is the SPJ code of ethics?
The society of professional journalists - an organization that promotes ethical journalism and the free flow of information
