The ethical journalist : making responsible decisions in the digital age / Gene Foreman, Daniel R. Biddle, Emilie Lounsberry, Richard G. Jones.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Foreman, Gene, author.

Biddle, Daniel R., author.

Lounsberry, Emilie, 1954- author.

Jones, Richard G. (Richard Gordon), 1971- author.

Contributor:

Alumni and Friends Memorial Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Journalistic ethics.

Reporters and reporting.

Journalistic ethics--Case studies.

Reporters and reporting--Case studies.

Genre:

Case studies.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 423 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2022.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Why Ethics Matters in Journalism

Our society needs news professionals who do the right thing

Contemporary journalists are keenly aware of the ethics of the profession, dealing frequently with ethics questions.

In a profession that cannot be regulated because of the First Amendment, responsible journalists adhere voluntarily to high standards of conduct.

The goal of this book and course is to teach you how to make ethically sound decisions.

Discussing case studies in class is crucial to learning the decision-making process.

The digital era, which has radically changed the way the news is gathered and delivered, has provoked controversy over whether ethics should radically change as well.

Confronted with a daily deluge of information, the public depends on ethical journalists for news that can be trusted.

Point of View: A "Tribal Ferocity" Enforces the Code

2. Ethics: The Bedrock of a Society / John Carroll

An introduction to terms and concepts in an applied-ethics course / John Carroll

Ethics is about discerning between right and wrong and then doing what is right. / John Carroll

Ancient societies developed systems of ethics that still influence human behavior. / John Carroll

Though often related, ethics and law differ; law prescribes minimum standards of conduct, and ethics prescribes exemplary conduct. / John Carroll

A member of a society absorbs its ethical precepts through a process of socialization. / John Carroll

Our value system - based on the things we prize most - influences how we make moral choices. / John Carroll

An ethical dilemma demands such a moral choice: a person may have to violate one ethical principle to fulfill another. / John Carroll

3. The News Media's Role in Society / John Carroll

The profession has matured and accepted social responsibility / John Carroll

Journalists generally agree that their fundamental ethical principles are to seek truth, serve the public, and maintain independence from the people they report on. / John Carroll

Journalism, like other professions and institutions, owes society a moral duty called social responsibility. / John Carroll

In the 1940s, the Hutchins Commission defined journalism's social responsibility: to provide reliable information for the community. / John Carroll

An ethical awakening occurred in journalism during the decade beginning in the mid-1970s. / John Carroll

During this period of reform, many news organizations codified their principles, first addressing conflicts of interest and then refining news-coverage practices. / John Carroll

Today's journalism reflects decades of rising professionalism, but the transition to the digital era presents new challenges. / John Carroll

Point of View: The Essential Pursuit of Truth / John Carroll

Point of View: Decision-Making in the Digital Age / Martin Baron

4. For Journalists, a Clash of Moral Duties / James M. Naughton

Responsibilities as professionals and as human beings can conflict / James M. Naughton

In the abstract, journalists should avoid becoming involved with the events and the people they cover. / James M. Naughton

However, certain situations require journalists to decide whether they should step out of their observer role and become participants. / James M. Naughton

In those situations, guidelines can help journalists reach sound decisions about whether to intervene. / James M. Naughton

Point of View: Journalists Are Humans, Too / James M. Naughton

Case Study: The Journalist as a Witness to Suffering / Halle Stockton

Case Study: Protester Is Beaten; Reporter Steps In / Halle Stockton

5. The Public and the Media: Love and Hate / Halle Stockton

The goal for the journalist should be respect, not popularity / Halle Stockton

Even as the news media mature and accept social responsibility, the public is increasingly hostile, and that is documented in surveys. / Halle Stockton

As a journalist, you should be aware of this hostility and the likely reasons for it. / Halle Stockton

You should treat the audience with respect and take complaints seriously; stripping away the rancor, you might find useful lessons. / Halle Stockton

The public's hostility has to be put in perspective; it may not be as bad as it seems. / Halle Stockton

Point of View: Journalism, Seen From the Other Side / Halle Stockton

Case Study: A Journalist's Trial by Social Media / Jane Shoemaker

6. How the 'Trump Effect' Challenged Journalism / Jane Shoemaker

The news media had never dealt with a president like No. / Jane Shoemaker

As a candidate and president (2015 - 2021), Donald Trump vigorously tested journalism's habits, tools, and tenets. / Jane Shoemaker

Modifying their reporting practices, journalists adapted to Trump much as earlier generations had adapted to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. But the transition was not a smooth one. / Jane Shoemaker

To deal with a multitude of false statements, news organizations created fact-checking units and debated whether to use the word lie. / Jane Shoemaker

Coverage of Trump and his administration ranged from hard-hitting investigations to snarky commentary that tended to confirm critics' allegations of bias. / Jane Shoemaker

Point of View: Impartial Journalism's Enduring Value / Jane Shoemaker

7. Applying Four Classic Theories of Ethics / Thomas Kent

Ancient philosophy can be a factor in the decision-making process / Thomas Kent

The strengths and weaknesses of four classic ethical theories in the context of editors' decisions to publish government secrets. / Thomas Kent

Rule-based thinking - doing the right thing, even if there are consequences. / Thomas Kent

Ends-based thinking - choosing to do what brings the most good to the most people. / Thomas Kent

The Golden Rule - treating other people the way you would want to be treated. / Thomas Kent

Aristotle's Golden Mean - finding a moderate solution when the extremes won't work. / Thomas Kent

The practice of journalism typically blends rule-based thinking and ends-based thinking. / Thomas Kent

8. Using a Code of Ethics as a Decision Tool / Thomas Kent

Written professional standards can be a valuable guide / Thomas Kent

Ethics codes in journalism trace their origins to the early twentieth century, as some editors put word-of-mouth standards into writing. / Thomas Kent

Codes adopted by professional associations of journalists are voluntary; codes adopted by news outlets for the direction of their staffs are enforceable. / Thomas Kent

Codes can be useful as a part of the decision process, not as a substitute for that process. / Thomas Kent

The Society of Professional Journalists' 2014 revision of its code of ethics is a model for the profession. Its four guiding principles are: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. / Thomas Kent

9. Making Moral Decisions You Can Defend / Thomas Kent

How to apply critical thinking and a decision template / Thomas Kent

A careful decision-making process draws on the practical skills of journalism: gathering facts, analyzing them, and making judgments. / Thomas Kent

Critical thinking - thoughtful analysis - is an essential component of the decision process. / Thomas Kent

A step-by-step template can guide you to a better decision. / Thomas Kent

You must test your decision to see if it can be defended. / Thomas Kent

In this course, approach the case studies as a laboratory exercise in decision-making. / Thomas Kent

Point of View: Avoid These Rationalizations / Thomas Kent

Case Study: Deciding Whether to Identify a CIA Agent / Michael Josephson

10. Getting the Facts Right and Being Fair / Michael Josephson

SPJ's guiding principle of seeking truth and reporting it / Michael Josephson

Accuracy and fairness are journalism's fundamental ethical values. / Michael Josephson

The digital era, with its emphasis on speed, entices reporters to take shortcuts and, thus, to risk mistakes. / Michael Josephson

Journalists have to be alert for hoaxes, especially on the web.

/ Michael Josephson

Problematic trends in the newsroom: less specialization, less editing. / Michael Josephson

Point of View: Declaring What You Won't Report / Michael Josephson

Case Study: A Story of Rape at Mr. Jefferson's University / Craig Silverman

Case Study: A Double Disaster at the Sago Mine / Craig Silverman

Case Study: Richard Jewell: He Really Was a Hero / Craig Silverman

Case Study: The Football Star's Fictitious Girlfriend / Craig Silverman

11. Showing Empathy for People in the News / Craig Silverman

SPJ's guiding principle of minimizing harm / Craig Silverman

Recognizing that the truth can hurt, journalists should weigh the information they are reporting against the harm it can be expected to cause. Sometimes that calculation might lead to a decision not to publish a detail of marginal relevance or possibly an entire story or photograph. / Craig Silverman

Requests from the public to "unpublish" archival content create an ethical dilemma: a desire to protect the historical record versus consideration of the people hurt by that record, especially when it is flawed. / Craig Silverman

Reporters should take particular care when interviewing children and survivors of a tragedy, or when reporting on suicides. / Craig Silverman

Journalists should be aware that their presence can be viewed as intrusive. / Craig Silverman

Contents note continued: Case Study: The Death of a Boy / Craig Silverman

Point of View: Reporting a Fact, Causing Harm / Craig Silverman

12. Avoiding Conflicts: Appearances Count / William F. Woo

SPJ's guiding principle of acting independently / William F. Woo

In an actual conflict of interest, journalists allow self-interest, or a loyalty to any other person or organization, to take precedence over their duty to the audience. / William F. Woo

Because a conflict of interest gives the audience reason to doubt the journalist's loyalty, it undermines credibility. / William F. Woo

An appearance of a conflict of interest can damage credibility even if the journalist's reporting is honest. / William F. Woo

By following reasonable guidelines, you can avoid most conflicts, actual or apparent. / William F. Woo

Identifying situations that commonly lead to conflicts. / William F. Woo

Case Study: A Reporter's Son Joins a Foreign Army / William F. Woo

Case Study: A Journalist's Gifts to the Clinton Foundation / William F. Woo

Case Study: The Columnist's Other Job / William F. Woo

Case Study: Carrying a Torch, Stirring Debate / William F. Woo

13. Lifting the Curtain on How Journalism Is Done / William F. Woo

SPJ's guiding principle of being accountable and transparent / William F. Woo

News organizations should correct their mistakes promptly, prominently, and clearly. / William F. Woo

News organizations should have a system to invite, receive, and act on inquiries and complaints about news coverage. / William F. Woo

News organizations should be willing to explain and discuss how they cover the news. / William F. Woo

The audience can be a partner in reporting the news, but journalists have a duty to verify all user-generated content. / William F. Woo

There are limits to journalistic transparency, including the question of whether reporters' personal opinions should be revealed. / William F. Woo

Point of View: A Digital Dialogue With Readers / William F. Woo

Case Study: Roughed Up at Recess / Mark Bowden

14. Navigating Social Media's Uneven Terrain / Mark Bowden

Connecting with the audience while maintaining impartiality / Mark Bowden

Using social media helps journalists report their stories and promote them. / Mark Bowden

However, journalists' comments about people and events in the news can damage their credibility and that of their news organizations. / Mark Bowden

Social media policies are a common source of tension in newsrooms, and enforcement of those policies has led to staff protests. / Mark Bowden

Point of View: Race, Gender, Social Media, and Power / Mark Bowden

Point of View: A Journalist's Duty / Ingrid Sturgis

Case Study: A Reporter's Tweet Hits a Sour Note / Bob Steele

15. Covering a Diverse, Multicultural Society / Bob Steele

An ethical duty to be inclusive in news coverage and in the newsroom / Bob Steele

Covering society's diversity is an ethical responsibility, because news organizations have a duty to cover the entire community. / Bob Steele

Careful, sensitive reporting is required to analyze the complex issues of racial and ethnic conflicts. / Bob Steele

Journalists face challenges in their efforts to provide knowledgeable coverage of cultures other than their own. / Bob Steele

Reporters who cover new immigrants are confronting ethics issues such as protecting the identity of sources who are not documented. / Bob Steele

Point of View: Gaining Respect by Showing Respect / Bob Steele

16. Dealing With Sources of Information / Joann Byrd

The fine line between getting close and too close / Joann Byrd

Ethics issues arise in reporters' efforts to cultivate sources while maintaining independence from those sources. / Joann Byrd

If a journalist agrees to protect a source who provides information on condition of anonymity, honoring that agreement is a solemn ethical duty. / Joann Byrd

Journalists must avoid placing their sources in any kind of jeopardy. / Joann Byrd

Beat reporting requires reporters to balance their relationships with newsmakers whom they depend on for information but also may have to report on critically. / Joann Byrd

Showing copy to sources and other situations in which ethics issues arise in source relationships. / Joann Byrd

Point of View: Sometimes, Different Rules Apply / Joann Byrd

Case Study: The Strange Intercept at "The Intercept" / Jeffrey Fleishman

17. Making News Decisions About Privacy / Jeffrey Fleishman

The public may need to know what individuals want hidden / Jeffrey Fleishman

Journalists often must decide between the public's legitimate need to have certain information and the desire for privacy by the individuals involved. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Although there are certain legal restraints on publicizing private information, most decisions are made on the basis of ethics rather than law. / Jeffrey Fleishman

A three-step template, weighing the value of the information to the public against the degree of harm to the subject, can aid decision-making in privacy cases. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Reporting situations in which privacy is central to decision-making. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Case Study: Tracing the Source of Web Comments / Jeffrey Fleishman

Case Study: Identifying a 13-Year-Old Rape Victim / Jeffrey Fleishman

18. Making Decisions About Offensive Content / Jeffrey Fleishman

The conflict between reflecting reality and respecting the audience / Jeffrey Fleishman

Journalists often have to decide whether to publish or broadcast content that could offend a significant element of the audience. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Offensive content falls into three categories: perceived insensitivity, offensive words, and offensive images. / Jeffrey Fleishman

A two-step process can help you make decisions, weighing the content's news value against how offensive it is. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Although the internet empowers the audience to be heard, news organizations are struggling to find ways to curb incivility, and some are discontinuing online comments. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Case Study: A Vulgar List in the News / Jeffrey Fleishman

Case Study: A Killer Records a Video of His Murders / Jeffrey Fleishman

19. Deception: A Risky, Controversial Tool / Jeffrey Fleishman

When values collide: Lying while seeking the truth / Jeffrey Fleishman

To decide whether to use a deceptive reporting practice, you first must acknowledge the deceit and not rationalize it. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Before engaging in undercover reporting - pretending to be someone else -you must meet exacting standards. / Jeffrey Fleishman

There are other situations, short of undercover, in which journalists could deceive or could be perceived as deceiving. / Jeffrey Fleishman

There is a consensus in the profession that a journalist should never deceive the audience or the journalist's colleagues. / Jeffrey Fleishman

Point of View: The Truth About Deception / Jeffrey Fleishman

Case Study: Rumsfeld's Q&A With the Troops / Brooke Krueger

Case Study: Spying on the Mayor in a Chat Room / Brooke Krueger

20. Ethics Issues in Visual and Audio Journalism / Brooke Krueger

Seeking truth with the camera or microphone while minimizing harm / Brooke Krueger

The public, aware how easy digital manipulation can be, must be able to trust the truthfulness of the news media's photography and audio reports. / Brooke Krueger

News organizations have adopted standards to ensure the integrity of their photography and audio reports. / Brooke Krueger

The success of podcasts has created a new opportunity for audio journalism where ethics standards are still being formulated. / Brooke Krueger

Recognizing that some news photography can offend the audience, journalists weigh its news value against the likely offense. / Brooke Krueger

A number of news organizations are reducing their use of police arrest portraits because of fairness concerns. / Brooke Krueger

The use of aerial drones for news photography is increasing, and ethics guidelines are being put in place to protect privacy and safety.

/ Brooke Krueger

Case Study: The Falling Man, World Trade Center, 2001 / Brooke Krueger

Case Study: Photographing a Man Pushed to His Death / Brooke Krueger

21. Stolen Words and Invented Facts / Brooke Krueger

Dishonesty can kill a career in journalism / Brooke Krueger

Plagiarism and fabrication are morally wrong. Plagiarism is stealing the creative work of another. Fabrication is making things up and presenting them as fact. / Brooke Krueger

The offenses of plagiarism and fabrication destroy journalism's credibility and cost offenders their jobs and their careers. / Brooke Krueger

Committing illegal acts is unacceptable in the pursuit of news. / Brooke Krueger

Following sound work practices can help you avoid any hint of impropriety. / Brooke Krueger

Newsroom leaders have a duty to establish clear rules about journalistic misconduct and to enforce them. / Brooke Krueger

22. The Business of Producing Journalism / Brooke Krueger

Seeking financial stability in a turbulent era of transition / Brooke Krueger

Technological and economic transition has caused tensions in today's news media. / Brooke Krueger

More people are getting their news digitally, but online sites are struggling to find stable sources of revenue. / Brooke Krueger

Contents note continued: Although advertisers have historically paid for news coverage, consumers are now being asked to pay for digital subscriptions. / Brooke Krueger

Native advertising has found a home on news websites, where stringent rules are needed to protect integrity of news content. / Brooke Krueger

The business and news executives of media companies frequently have a strained relationship, mainly because their cultures are so different. / Brooke Krueger

Case Study: Sharing Ad Profits, Creating a Crisis / Brooke Krueger.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Alumni and Friends Memorial Book Fund.

Other Format:

Online version: Foreman, Gene. Ethical journalist.

ISBN:

9781119777472

111977747X

OCLC:

1261772398

Publisher Number:

99992326296