Thursday, September 13, 2018

We Need to Stop Using the Word Journalist and Call Them What They Really Are


Few will deny we now live an age of fake news and media propaganda. I recently asked a friend who worked as a journalist before pursuing a career in advertising if there was a Hippocratic type oath or a code of ethics for journalist. They told me there was indeed an ethical code or "canons of journalism" adopted by the Society of Professional Journalist in 1922. They sent me a PDF of this "Journalist Canon"  as well as an additional PDF of the "Editors Code of Ethics". I spent an evening reading through what I can only believe are principles intentionally being ignored by today's journalist. Here is a sample of what I found. I'll let you decide as to how far we have drifted away from what was a once respected profession.....
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This is the SPJ code of ethics that we follow as professionals:

Preamble: 
 Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity. The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.

The SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles supported by explanations and position papers that address changing journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable. Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting.

Journalists should:
  • - Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
  • - Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy. – Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.
  •  - Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story. – Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises they make.
  • Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources.
  • - Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted.
  • – Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.
  • – Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public.
  • – Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.
  •  – Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant. – Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all.
  • – Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate. – Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear. – Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting. – Label advocacy and commentary.
  • – Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.
  • – Never plagiarize. Always attribute. Minimize Harm Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.
Journalists should:
  • – Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
  • – Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.
  • – Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.
  • – Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information. – Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.
  • – Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.
  • – Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate. – Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.
  • – Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations.
  • – Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.
It goes on the say "Act Independently" and "The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public." I for one don't see much of what is referred to as ethics in today's media. And Truth and Integrity seems to be practices of mythical gods of the distant past.

* Thank You Whatfinger News and MJA@IOTWReport for the Linkage!

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