"The basic codes and canons commonly appear in statements by professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and online news organizations."
Understanding the principles of fairness, accuracy, completeness, independence, and transparency in journalism, and the ethical considerations when reporting news.
Accuracy and Verification: This topic covers the importance of verifying facts and data before publishing or broadcasting a news story. It includes strategies to verify sources and common mistakes to avoid.
Objectivity and Impartiality: This topic covers the principles of objectivity and impartiality in journalism. Students will learn how to present stories in a neutral tone and avoid bias.
Independence and Autonomy: This topic covers the importance of independence and autonomy in journalism. Students will learn why it is crucial to avoid conflicts of interest and to maintain their independence from the subjects they report on.
Confidentiality and Privacy: This topic covers confidentiality agreements and when it is appropriate to use them. It also deals with ethical considerations when gathering information about people's private lives.
Sensitivity and Respect: This topic deals with the care that journalists must take when writing about sensitive or controversial topics. They will learn how to balance the need for a free press while respecting people's dignity and privacy.
Fairness and Balance: This topic covers the importance of fair and balanced reporting. Students will learn how to present multiple perspectives and avoid biases in their reporting.
Accountability and Corrections: This topic deals with the importance of being accountable for errors or omissions in news reporting. Students will learn how to handle corrections and retractions.
Media Law and Ethics: This topic covers the legal aspects of journalism, and students will learn about libel, defamation, and invasion of privacy laws. They will also learn about media ethics codes.
Social Media and Citizen Journalism: This topic deals with the emerging field of citizen journalists and how social media is changing the way we consume news. Students will learn how to navigate the ethical considerations of social media and citizen journalism.
Diversity and Inclusion: This topic covers the importance of diversity and inclusion in journalism. Students will learn how to be sensitive to different cultures and perspectives, and how to avoid stereotypes in their reporting.
The Future of Journalism: This topic covers the changing landscape of journalism and how it is evolving for the digital age. Students will learn about the new opportunities and challenges that are emerging in the field.
Editorial Independence and Ethics: This topic covers the importance of editorial independence and integrity. Students will learn about the role of editorial boards, how to handle conflicts of interest, and how to make ethical decisions when reporting on sensitive stories.
Accuracy: Journalists must ensure that their reporting is accurate and factual before publishing or broadcasting.
Objectivity: Journalists must strive to remain objective, impartial, and unbiased in their reporting and analysis of news and events.
Fairness: Journalists must be fair and evenhanded in their reporting, giving all parties involved an opportunity to present their side of the story.
Accountability: Journalists must be accountable for their reporting and be willing to take responsibility for any mistakes or inaccuracies.
Transparency: Journalists must be transparent in their reporting, disclosing any conflicts of interest or potential biases that may impact their reporting.
Privacy: Journalists must respect the privacy of individuals and should not publish information that is private or sensitive without consent.
Public interest: Journalists must consider the public interest when reporting on news and events, weighing the importance of the story against the potential harm it may cause.
Editorial independence: Journalists must maintain editorial independence, ensuring that their reporting is free from interference or pressure from outside sources.
Diversity: Journalists should strive to ensure diversity in their reporting, covering a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints.
Sensitivity: Journalists must be sensitive to the impact that their reporting may have on individuals and communities, particularly those who may be vulnerable or marginalized.
"There are around 400 codes covering journalistic work around the world."
"The principles of truthfulness, accuracy and fact-based communications, independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, respect for others and public accountability."
"Like many broader ethical systems, the ethics of journalism include the principle of 'limitation of harm'."
"The withholding of certain details from reports, such as the names of minor children, crime victims' names, or information not materially related to the news report where the release of such information might, for example, harm someone's reputation or put them at undue risk."
"There has also been discussion and debate within the journalism community regarding appropriate reporting of suicide and mental health, particularly with regard to verbiage."
"Some journalistic codes of ethics, notably some European codes, also include a concern with discriminatory references in news based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities."
"The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved (in 1993) Resolution 1003 on the Ethics of Journalism."
"The principles of truthfulness, accuracy and fact-based communications, independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, respect for others, and public accountability."
"These apply to the gathering, editing and dissemination of newsworthy information to the public."
"The principles of truthfulness, accuracy and fact-based communications."
"The principles of... independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness..."
"The principles of... respect for others and public accountability."
"This may involve enhanced respect for vulnerable groups and the withholding of certain details from reports."
"Like many broader ethical systems, the ethics of journalism include the principle of 'limitation of harm'."
"Some journalistic codes of ethics... include a concern with discriminatory references in news based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities."
"The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved (in 1993) Resolution 1003 on the Ethics of Journalism, which recommends that journalists respect the presumption of innocence, in particular in cases that are still sub judice."
"...where the release of such information might, for example, harm someone's reputation or put them at undue risk."
"There has also been discussion and debate within the journalism community regarding appropriate reporting of suicide and mental health, particularly with regard to verbiage."
"Professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and online news organizations."