Blog Post 3- 5 Points of Ethical Journalism

1. Try to Tell the Truth

I use the word try because often times journalists are not going to get all of the facts, or desired material they need to write a story.  Even if they do not have all the facts they are still pressed against a deadline and need to write the story.  Journalists job is too inform the readers.  Journalists shouldn't guess or make things up about a story so that it sounds more interesting, or provides more detail.  It is the journalists job to provide the detail that they have and let the reader decide the rest.

2. Journalists Work for the People

I do think this is an ethical issue within journalism.  As the reporting industry become more competitive and the bottom line is stressed even more journalists could lose sight of who they actually work for.  Although the paper may be cutting the checks they actually do work for the people.  This is important for journalists to remember because if you are working for the bottom line it can be easy to sensationalize stories, or maybe even exclude stories of facts because it may hurt your reputation with advertisers.

3. Do not Deceive

This ties into the first rule, but is a bit different.  Journalists see a lot of things going on in the world more so than an average person.  They are probably able to see generalities or common issues throughout the entire world.  Journalists like any human can also become attached, or moved, by the things they witness each day.  Journalists should not fabricate stories to illustrate issues or problems that will then motivate the public to take action.  Even if what they are saying may be true they should have real sources and real subjects that they write about.

4. Show Compassion

It seems that sometimes journalists will do anything to get a story, even if it means envading others private life.  Part of a journalists job is to cover tragedy.  Journalists need to show restraint and compassion for those they are writing stories on in their darker hours.  This year Junior Seau, a professional football player, passed away, and the press was relentless with his family to get a story or quote from them.  It seemed that they wouldn't let them mourn for their loss in peace.  Also it may not be wise to run stories that may affect others like in the Penn State sacndal and those victims and families who were hurt by the actions of an evil man.

5. Journalism is the Star not the Journalists

Journalists shouldn't be seeking to get their own gain of noteriety from the pieces that they write.  they should try to remove themself from the story as much as possible.  They shouldn't use their influence in the public for their own gain no matter what.