Journalism

Keywords:

• Ethics - Morals, but morals are individual, whilst ethics is a shared system of morals, dealing with what is good and bad: 1) Accuracy 2) Independence 3) Impartiality 4) Humanity (being aware of your own consequences, don't be a dick, be nice :-) 5) Accountability 

• Truth and Accuracy
• Self Regulation
• Public Interest

What would some of your ethical considerations be when: 

-Reporting on a 15y/o student who has traveled with ISIS - I'd be respectful since that is what the student has decided to do, but at the same time, it's considered to be a wrong decision since it's dangerous and deadly, and I'd think that the student was brainwashed into joining ISIS, since they don't really stand for anything - not even religion. Cause he's also underage, I'd have to take accountability for him 

Reporting on a mass shooting in America - Don't mention religion, cause some mass shootings have nothing to do with religion, also I wouldn't talk about it too much, cause some readers wouldn't want all the gory-details, because it may be distressing to some,

A ‘self regulatory body’ - the regulate themselves rather than being regulated by the government.

1. Truth and Accuracy

Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. We should always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts we have and ensure that they have been checked. When we cannot corroborate information we should say so.

2. Independence

Journalists must be independent voices; we should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. We should declare to our editors – or the audience – any of our political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal information that might constitute a conflict of interest.

3. Fairness and Impartiality

Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible, and may not always be desirable (in the face for example of brutality or inhumanity), but impartial reporting builds trust and confidence.

4. Humanity

Journalists should do no harm. What we publish or broadcast may be hurtful, but we should be aware of the impact of our words and images on the lives of others.

5. Accountability

A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves accountable. When we commit errors we must correct them and our expressions of regret must be sincere not cynical. We listen to the concerns of our audience. We may not change what readers write or say but we will always provide remedies when we are unfair.