"The basic codes and canons commonly appear in statements by professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and online news organizations."
Social ethics in journalism refers to the responsibility of journalists to report accurate, unbiased information while considering the potential impacts on society and the ethical considerations surrounding marginalized communities.
Moral philosophy: An overview of different normative theories that inform ethical decision-making.
The role of journalists in society: The expectations and responsibilities associated with the profession, as well as the ways in which journalists can affect public opinion and policy.
Objectivity and bias: A discussion of the tension between impartiality and subjectivity in journalism, and how personal bias can influence reporting.
Media ownership and influence: An examination of the power dynamics at play in the media industry, and how ownership can shape news coverage and editorial decisions.
Ethics codes and guidelines: An introduction to the various codes and guidelines that exist for journalists, which provide guidance on issues such as accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
Privacy and confidentiality: A consideration of the ethical implications of reporting on private information or sources, and how journalists can balance the public interest with the rights of individuals.
Sensitivity and empathy: An exploration of the importance of empathy and understanding in journalistic practice, and how this can help to avoid harm and promote social justice.
Social justice and public interest: A discussion of the ethical imperatives around reporting on issues of social justice, and how journalists can contribute to the public good through their work.
Global media ethics: An overview of the difference in ethical practices across cultures and regions, and the importance of understanding different ethical frameworks in a globalized media landscape.
Corporate responsibility, the impact of stakeholder demands, and globalization: Analysis of the role of corporate social responsibility and ethical communication in the context of globalization.
Digital media and social ethics: Ethical issues related to data privacy, virtual relationships, and social media interactions.
Ethics in relation to freedom of expression and censorship: Discusses the role journalists have in maintaining freedom of expression as well as their responsibility to report within the boundaries of the law.
Ethics of image manipulation and new media: Examines the ethical questions around digitally manipulating media and the way this can create misleading images or videos.
Truth and deception in journalism: Explores the fine line between exposing truths and protecting identities, along with situations where journalists’ acts of deception have resulted in public controversy.
Ethics in crisis reporting and war journalism: Discusses the challenges faced by journalists reporting in crisis situations and the ethical questions that arise around in situations where news coverage affects the lives of those involved.
Transparency: Social ethics that emphasize the importance of transparency in journalism require that journalists be open and honest about their sources, reporting methods, and biases. Transparency enables journalists to build trust with their audiences and uphold the integrity of their journalistic work.
Objectivity: Social ethics of objectivity require that journalists remain unbiased and neutral when conducting their work. Objectivity involves being impartial and not letting personal beliefs, values, or agendas influence reporting. This approach seeks to ensure that the news presented to the public is factual and balanced.
Accountability: Social ethics of accountability hold journalists responsible and answerable for their work. It requires journalists to be professional and adhere to ethical standards. Accountability ensures that journalists take responsibility for their mistakes and maintain the highest standards of journalistic practice.
Privacy: Social ethics of privacy require that journalists respect the privacy of individuals and refrain from disclosing personal information that can be harmful, except in those circumstances where there is a clear public interest case, and it is essential to the public's right to know for that information to be shared.
Fairness: Social ethics of fairness require that journalists be fair in their reporting, giving voice to all sides of a story. Fairness ensures that journalists do not selectively choose information that serves their agenda, and it requires that they respect the rights of others to express their views even if they disagree with them.
Accuracy: Social ethics of accuracy require that journalists report accurately and factually. Accuracy involves ensuring that information presented is correct and verified with reliable sources. It is essential to uphold credibility and maintain the public's trust.
Sensitivity: Social ethics of sensitivity require that journalists refrain from using language or visuals that are offensive or discriminatory. Sensitivity ensures that journalists show empathy and respect for diverse groups of people and cultures, avoiding language that could cause harm.
Public Interest: Social ethics of the public interest require that journalists prioritize stories that are of significant public interest. The public interest may include issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and injustice. This approach seeks to ensure that the journalistic work has a positive impact on society.
"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."