The ethics of journalism

May 11, 2014 News

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It is a known fact that reporting or journalism is, among other things, geared towards being a watchdog entity over the state as well as keeping account of the historical timeline of occurrences. These two functions are very important, since on one hand there is preservation of history and on the other, there is the need to keep those entrusted with power within the public and private spheres accountable.
Some might ask the question while we watch over the world who watches over us? And this is where the journalistic code of ethics comes into play and the imperative need for journalists to always operate within its guidelines.
Since journalists are trusted with the role of keeping others accountable, it is only fair that journalists carry themselves in such a manner so as not to bring disrepute in the production, assimilation and execution of the work that they do and the organization that they represent.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) holds firmly to the belief that 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.”
The SPJ has outlined four primary functions that reporters and journalists should live by, those being to seek the truth and report it; minimize harm; act independently and be accountable.
In seeking the truth, according to the SPJ, journalists should test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent errors.
According to the society “deliberate distortion is never permissible” and one should “diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.”
Further, the SPJ says, journalists should identify sources whenever feasible since “the public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability” and “always question their sources motives before promising anonymity as well as clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information”.
Journalists should “make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context. Never distort the content of news photos or video but image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.”
Additionally they should “avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story.”
Moreover journalists should “never plagiarize and tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so. Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others,” says the journalistic body.
“Stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status should also be avoided.” (ibid)
According to the SPJ, journalists should “support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant, give voice to the voiceless and while official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid, they should distinguish between advocacy and news reporting.”
In the pursuit of truth they should also “distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two as well as recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.” (Ibid)
The SPJ very importantly outlines that journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know and as such they should “avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived and remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.”
Furthermore, they should “refuse gifts, favours, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.” (Ibid)
They should also be “vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Deny favoured treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage. Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news,” says the SPJ.
According to the SPJ, journalists are also accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other hence the reason why they should “clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.”
Journalists should “encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media. Admit mistakes and correct them promptly. Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media and abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.”
In the minimization of harm, journalists should show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage says the SPJ. They should “use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects and recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort.” (Ibid)
The SPJ states that journalists should recognize also that the “pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance and recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention.”
“Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.”
Moreover, the SPJ says that journalists should “show good taste and avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.” (Ibid)
It is within those confines that journalists should operate so that they can give credence to the important and imperative profession that they represent.

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