JOURNALISM ETHICS

Module 12

What makes a journalist different from any other speaker?

Anyone who gathers and transmits information for the purpose of

informing the public should qualify as a journalist. But, there is
something seemingly inaccurate about claiming that everyone
who publishes information online is a journalist.

Professional journalists can distinguish themselves, however, by

adhering to certain ethical principles that are designed to
enhance the quality of their work and maintain their credibility as
messengers of truth.

Journalism Ethics

Journalism ethics are a companion to the notion of free speech; the idea
is that the press should have great freedom, but accordingly, the press
has corresponding responsibilities.

These responsibilities aren’t imposed to limit speech in the sense of

censoring ideas or unpleasant facts. Instead, they are intended to
promote credibility. Promoting credibility is the primary goal of journalism
ethics. However, as an added benefit, they also help secure freedom of
the press and of expression.

If news outlets abused their freedoms by regularly publishing false,

biased, or unfounded statements, they would lose their credibility and
some of the justifications for giving the press substantial freedom from
government intervention would erode.

Many news organizations worldwide have their own ethical guidelines, but there are
certain principles that have historically been accepted as ideals:
In Gathering News:
• Be respectful towards those you interview, particularly in tragic breaking news
situations.

• Be careful when dealing with minors or those who are incompetent or in difficult
situations.

• Be honest about your role as a journalist, who you work for, and what you are
doing. Hidden cameras or microphones should rarely be used, and if they are, be
aware of the legal considerations.

• Be as thorough as possible in speaking to as many sources as possible and

finding as much information as possible.

• You should not have decided what a story will say before you begin (or complete)
your research. If you go into the reporting process with your mind already made up,
you may miss important details or tell the story unfairly.

• If you are writing about a person (or entity), be sure that you have attempted to
interview them or ask for comment. Tell them what you plan to report and give them
a reasonable time to respond.

• Be careful about promising anonymity, in part for the ethical reason that you won’t
be able to attribute the information thoroughly, but also for the legal reason that you
might be subject to liability if you are compelled to reveal the source.

• If you decide to use an anonymous source, be sure that the source is credible and
be wary of any agendas or biases the source may have. (Actually, that is good to
keep in mind with respect to all sources!)

In Publishing:

• What you publish should hew to the truth; avoid misleading or biased statements.

• Use the most accurate word or terminology possible and avoid controversial, “loaded” terms.

• Fairly characterize the people and statements you purport to describe.

• If a topic is complex, strive to capture the complexity rather than minimize it so
that nuances are lost.

• Be transparent in describing your sources. Do not plagiarize, and credit

sources properly. If you must use third party content, be aware of copyright issues.

• Be transparent in describing your sources. Do not plagiarize, and credit sources properly.
If you must use third party content, be aware of copyright issues.

• Know what you are writing: is it factual reporting or commentary? Whichever it is, be
transparent about your intent. If it is reporting, avoid commentary, speculation, or opinion.

• Many news organizations will not name sexual assault victims as an ethical matter. Many
will also refrain from naming others who may not understand the consequences of being
named (for example, naming minors who admit to illegal or offensive conduct, not realizing
that their name may forever appear in online searches and hampering their future
educational or employment prospects).

• News organizations have varying opinions about when profanity or offensive language is
permissible, but generally, such terms should be used only when necessary to the editorial
context.

• This should go without saying: do not fabricate stories. Reporting is fact, not fiction.

• If errors come to light, correct them right away.

In General:
• Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. This includes maintaining
independence, both political and financial. Journalists do not work in politics, endorse
candidates, give money to campaigns, sign petitions, volunteer for political causes,
or otherwise take positions that would undermine their credibility as an unbiased

• It is generally not considered a problem for reporters to have a life—to join

churches or civic groups, or participate in their children’s schools. But one must
always be aware of the potential conflicts, real or perceived, and conduct oneself
accordingly.

• Reporters should not use information for financial gain. That also means they
shouldn’t accept gifts. Any freebies should probably be disclosed unless it would be
 obvious (books and CDs provided for review are generally free, and that needn’t be
disclosed, but other free opportunities should be disclosed—or in some cases, declined).

• If there is any conflict of interest between yourself and the subject of your reporting,
you may need to disclose the conflict or recuse yourself from covering the subject.

BROADCASTING ETHICS

KAPISANAN NG MGA BROADKASTER NG PILIPINAS

(ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES)

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) is a non-government, non-profit

organization of the broadcast media in the Philippines. Its aims include the promotion of an
independent and free broadcast media, responsible broadcasting, enhanced public service by
broadcasters, advancement of innovation in broadcasting, and the development of Philippine
broadcasting.

The KBP represents the interests of the broadcast media in advancing the cause of a free and
responsible broadcast media and helping its members maintain a relevant role in Philippine
society in the 21st century.

ETHICS IN FILMMAKING

SOME ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN MAKING FICTION FILMS:

- ethical treatment of animals (no animals were harmed)

- ethical treatment of children (concern for actors who are minors)
- ethical treatment of actors/ crew (compliance with labor law requirements)
- ethical treatment of the environment
- effect on the viewers

Example: "13 reasons why”

How does it portray suicide? Does it
glamorise and therefore “encourage” suicide? How does it affect the vulnerable teens
who
may be suffering from mental health issues?
For documentaries

• Make sure that anyone you work with understands the nature of your project and how their
contribution will be used.

There was a story about a few students who went to a WalMart to do a video project for
class. They did an interview with a worker there. As a result of the project, the management
ended up firing the worker for comments that he made. Think about who your work might
impact!

• Always get permission when you’re filming (and signed releases whenever you can).
To protect yourself and your subjects, it is a good idea to get signed releases. Releases allow
you to
document permission from individuals and property owners for their contributions to your
project.

Always use release forms that are easy for your subject to comprehend.

• If you didn’t make it, make sure you are using it responsibly (Fair Use)
You should always work as though your project could end up on YouTube someday, even if
your
original intention for your project is only for class use. There are very important things to
consider
if you arE interested in using third party music or other media in your projects.

• Be truthful.

Video recording and editing are powerful tools, and it can be easier than you might think to
feel tempted to alter actual events. You should never misrepresent events that you recorded.
You can't edit bits of an interview together to express an idea that was never conveyed by the
speaker. You should never use footage to support your argument if it is completely irrelevant,
but looks like it is.

For example, if you are criticizing combat in Vietnam, it would be highly unethical to use
footage from the Korean war.

Some ethical issues which must be considered:

The Effect of the Film on its Actors
Filmmakers have the responsibility to protect the actors, and should strive to cause
them no harm. However, often protecting actors is at odds with the desires of the
filmmakers to create a compelling and authentic film. Achieving an appropriate
balance between creating an authentic, compelling film and protecting actors’ rights
is essential.
Informing People of the Film’s Purpose and How They Will Be Represented

Filmmakers should strive to make them aware of how they will be represented in the film and
how the film will be used. “Should we tell someone we film that they risk making a fool of
themselves or that there will be many who will judge their conduct negatively?”
Those filmed should be aware of how they will be portrayed in a film and how it will be used.

“They let you be there as their life unfolds...and that carries with it a responsibility to try to
anticipate how the audience will see them, and at times to protect them when necessary.”

The people being filmed expose their lives to a stranger and, as a consequence, are
extremely vulnerable.

There is also typically a power differential where the filmmaker has more social and
sometimes economic power than the subject. Hence, filmmakers should inform their subjects
about how they will be represented, and treat them with respect.

Reflect Reality
Most documentaries are biased in one way or another in order to prove their point and make
a
more compelling argument. Nevertheless, when representing a community or issue, it is
important to portray multiple voices and perspectives, or, at the very least, acknowledge that
they exist.