Part A - Standards in Journalism Flashcards
What is a journalist’s general duty?
To inform and not to mislead readers, listeners and viewers.
Why do accuracy, balance, and fairness matter?
So that readers, listeners and viewers are not misled and are informed correctly, presented with an objective piece of information that is not biased.
Why does objectivity matter?
So that journalistic independence and integrity is not undermined.
How can objectivity be lost?
By accepting freebies.
What is the danger of ‘generalisations’ in copy?
They can lead to errors and give the wrong impression.
To what extent is it ethical to ‘clean up’ quotes from speakers to ensure they are grammatically correct?
As a general rule, report accurately what the speaker has said. However, many people will make grammatical mistakes when speaking. The mayor will not thank you for reporting exactly what he said in such circumstances. You may be accused of making him look a fool. It is acceptable to put those matters right (and make sure you get it right). What you must not do is change quotes so that a different impression is given or, in fact, change the meaning entirely. Stick to what the person said and you will not go far wrong.
How transparent should a news organisation be?
Total transparency is not a realistic possibility but should be something to work towards.
Why is attribution of material usually best practice?
For the sake of transparency.
Why should you always be clear that you are a reporter? What are the exceptions to this and how should you go about it?
In order to deal with people in a fair and open way. Only in exceptional circumstances (and after discussing fully with your editor) should you hide the fact from interviewees that you are a reporter and will be writing a story that in all likelihood will be published. If you use subterfuge or clandestine means of recording an interview, you will need to have a ‘public interest defence’.
How should you deal with errors and mistakes?
By being fair and open.
Why should you avoid comment in news items?
Because news should be fair and balanced, not biased. Comments should be left for the comment section or for pieces labelled ‘comment’.
Can bias ever be justified? Explain.
Bias when campaigning for something, whether local issues (local newspapers) or broader public issues (national papers), can be justified, e.g. to have a new hospital built or to raise money.
