Updating codes of ethics
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The document outlines updates to media ethics codes, emphasizing timeless ethical values such as accuracy, fairness, and transparency, while addressing challenges like native advertising and point-of-view journalism. It highlights key principles from various organizations, including the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association, aimed at guiding journalists in maintaining ethical standards. Furthermore, it introduces Bob Steele's 10 critical questions to assist journalists in navigating ethical dilemmas.
Updating codes of ethics
- 1. Updating Media Ethics Codes Steve Buttry November 19, 2015
- 2. Timeless ethical values • Accuracy • Correcting errors • Separation (ads & news, facts & opinion) • Don’t plagiarize • Fairness • Attribution
- 4. Updating ethical values • Accuracy (unfolding story) • Correcting errors (NYT disagreement) • Separation (POV journalism, native ads) • Don’t plagiarize (Fareed Zakaria) • Fairness (he-said-she-said stories) • Attribution (linking)
- 6. Varying ethical values • Unnamed sources • Sensational & graphic photos & videos • Independence (PR vs. journalism) • Independent vs. involved • Point-of-view journalism vs. detached • Objective vs. personal
- 8. • Advocacy • Honesty • Expertise • Independence • Loyalty • Fairness Key PR principles Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics (last updated 2000):
- 11. Key advertising principles Institute for Advertising Ethics, updated 2011: • Truth (legal as well as ethical issue) • Personal ethics • Distinguish ads from news, entertainment • Disclose conditions of endorsements • Treat consumers fairly
- 12. Key advertising principles Institute for Advertising Ethics, updated 2011: • Protect privacy in marketing communications • Follow federal, state & local advertising laws & industry self-regulation • Discuss ethical issues privately
- 13. Principle 3 “Advertisers should clearly distinguish advertising, public relations and corporate communications from news and editorial content and entertainment, both online and offline.”
- 14. Product placement No mention in 11-page ad code of ethics, but …
- 22. Ad ethics code 11 pages, no mentions of “native advertising,” “sponsored content,” “brand journalism.” Just this:
- 23. Political Communication • Not a single profession but segments of multiple professions • PRSA code applies to political PR • Advertising code applies to political ads • Journalism codes apply to political journalism • Government ethics codes apply
- 24. How are ethics enforced? • Some ethics are a matter of law • Violations of company ethics can be grounds for firing • Public shaming • Private shaming • Independent investigation • News councils
- 25. Accountable Journalism started 2002, RJI & EJN updated database in 2015
- 27. Key journalism principles Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics (updated fall 2014): • Seek truth and report it • Minimize harm • Act independently • Be accountable and transparent
- 29. Poynter Institute Guiding Principles for the Journalist, updated 2013
- 30. Poynter Guiding Principles • Seek truth and report it as fully as possible • Be transparent • Engage community as an end, rather than as a means
- 31. Poynter on independence “Clearly articulate your journalistic approach, whether you strive for independence or approach information from a political or philo- sophical point of view. Describe how your point of view impacts the information you report, including how you select the topics you cover and the sources that inform your work.”
- 33. Radio Television Digital News Association, Updated June 2015
- 34. “The RTDNA Code of Ethics does not dictate what journalists should do in every ethical predicament; rather it offers resources to help journalists make better ethical decisions – on and off the job – for themselves and for the communities they serve.”
- 35. RTDNA core principles • Truth and accuracy above all • Independence and transparency • Accountability for consequences
- 36. RTDNA on independence “Editorial independence may be a more ambitious goal today than ever before. Media companies, even if not-for-profit, have commercial, competitive and other interests – both internal and external -- from which the journalists they employ cannot be entirely shielded. Still, independence from influences that conflict with public interest remains an essential ideal of journalism. Transparency provides the public with the means to assess credibility and to determine who deserves trust.”
- 37. RTDNA on accuracy “Trending,” “going viral” or “exploding on social media” may increase urgency, but these phenomena only heighten the need for strict standards of accuracy.
- 38. RTDNA on transparency Disclosure, while critical, does not justify the exclusion of perspectives and information that are important to the audience’s understanding of issues.
- 39. J-Lab, Scott Rosenberg, Published 2011
- 43. Online News Association, released in beta, September 2015
- 45. BYO Ethics Fundamentals • Telling the truth (accuracy, diversity of voices, context, reliable sources, correct errors …) • Conflicts of interests (avoid, disclose …) • Community (respect, consider impact …) • Professional conduct (don’t plagiarize, keep promises …)
- 47. BYO Ethics Code issues
- 49. Bob Steele’s 10 questions 1. What do I know? What do I need to know? 2. What is my journalistic purpose? 3. What are my ethical concerns? 4. What policies and professional guidelines should I consider? 5. How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision-making process?
- 50. 6. Who are the stakeholders? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate? 7. What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders? 8. What are the possible consequences of my actions? 9. What are my alternatives to maximize my truth- telling responsibility and minimize harm? 10.Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and my decision? Bob Steele’s 10 questions
- 51. Next semester Manship School will host American Press Institute fact-checking boot camp. Watch for news about date and details.