Media And Journalism Ethics

Media and Journalism Ethics

University of the People

Author Note

This paper is being submitted on March 22, for

PHIL 1404: Ethics and Social Responsibility

Unit 8 – Applying Ethics to Diverse Societal Issues Journalism ethics are transitioning from a localized or national view to a global and world perspective. Regardless of which normative ethical theory one may choose to apply, (consequentialist, deontological or a virtue) media and journalism ethics is a relevant discussion because of the global significance. Although a universal standard of media ethics has yet to be established, media and journalism ethics is relevant and carries a significant societal and global presence.

Global media ethics attempts to establish a

According to Ward, “global media ethics has a responsibility to present information in a way that supports multiple views and helps groups understand the issues that affect our global concerns.” (Ward, n.d.). Journalists should see themselves as part of a larger collective and as representatives of the world citizens. Objectivity in journalism should be accurate, balanced, and relevant with cross-cultural perspective. Journalists must report and disseminate information with impartiality and honesty, they also need to be cognoscente to the impact their news reporting will have on the people involved as well as the world at large. According to The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, “Journalism serves justice, democracy, and public enlightenment and ethical news gatherers should strive for free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough”. (Lehrman & Wagner, 2015). Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Wasserman suggests media outlets are encouraging people to engage in online rage and rudeness. (Wasserman, 2015). Many newspapers are unwilling to implement an online strategy to preside over conversations and encourage honesty, civility, and respect. Currently many online news sites have no rules in place to facilitate ideas, communication, and the global

In light of the globalization of news and the immediacy and ability to spread lies as easily as truth across the globe, where does the responsibility lie? Ethical questions are being discussed from the consequential, deontological and virtue ethic perspectives and all should be addressed with a universal standard of disseminating fair and accurate information in a civil, responsible, and humane manner. Lapses such as undercover reporters violating school sanctity, or live coverage influencing the event, or the abhorrent practice of fabricating stories for sensationalism and content all support the need for a universal standard of media ethics. News has become a form of entertainment at best and making it fun, engaging, and controversial takes precedence over the serious and professional conduct the industry ought to follow. Journalism must rise to the challenge and work to remove the stain on their collective