The truth and nothing but...

"Ethics and Journalism"
     By: Magdalena Bush

               Ethics in is an important aspect in journalism because the public is depending on truthful and accurate information.  There are many reasons as to why a journalist can claim to omit information or even add defamation to a story to make the article interesting. Some of the reasons for quick and interesting stories include competition, technology, and the temptation to impress the readers or having the biggest "scoop."

                                     "Its hard to beat the truth on me being right"

                                  
                  Above is a clip on former and late editor to the Washington Post discusses the importance of ethics. 

One aspect that is interesting in Bradlee's report is the approach to "anonymity" when it comes to sources.  A journalist has a right to protect his or her source, but it can make believing the article or report challenging for the public. There are some sources who feel they are in danger or are afraid of backlash. The recent attacks in Paris make up for many accusations and some are unable to discuss the findings. CBS Pittsburgh  reports, "The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the sensitive and ongoing investigation."  

Telling the truth....

According to The Principles of Journalism (2015) "journalism's first obligation is to the truth" (para 1). This basis that journalist must uphold include authenticating facts, reporting fairly, and having the sources to confirm a story. This one principle is at the highest of the tier in ethics because authenticity is critical in journalism. 
Janet Cooke, Journalist accuse of fabrication





Journalists like Janet Cooke, whose story on "Jimmy's World" won a pulitzer and later found to be all fabricated in an example of unethical behavior.  This type of conduct brings shame to a journalist and company he or she represents. As a journalist one must uphold and value the truth and not the avidity to become the best in the industry.




Challenges in reporting in the age of technology


Traditional way of reporting still exists, but a large number of people are turning to the Internet for news. As technology excels and provides new innovations for journalism, writers have a challenge with keeping up. Handheld devices and online news makes researching challenging tasks for many reporters.  Still, the need for the truth is at the highest level of reporting. Those in journalism have a great responsibility to tell the truth. Though the challenge to report "fast" may be ahead of most journalists, the RIGHT WAY to report is the TRUTHFUL WAY!!! 



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                                                                                     References


CBS-Pittsburgh. (2015, January 7). 12 Dead In Terrorist Attack On Paris Newspaper; Gunmen Identified. Retrieved from http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/01/07/12-dead-in-terrorist-attack-on-paris-newspaper-gunmen-at-large/

CNN (2014, September 29). 2005: Ben Bradlee talks journalism ethics [Video file]. Retrieved from Youtube website: http://youtu.be/bEgu7qDtz8Y

Edmontonjournal.com. "Janet Cooke." [Online image] 17 January 2013. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/janet+cooke/7834389/story.html

Ikeca.org. "Code of ethics." [Online image] 15 January 2015. http://www.ikeca.org/about-ikeca/code-of-ethics

 Pew research journalism project. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.journalism.org/resources/principles-of-journalism/
  
10 Jaw-Dropping journalism scandals. (2011, September). Huff post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/10-biggest-journalism-sca_n_893357.html#slide=start









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