Lecture 8: Ethics in Journalism

Guest Lecture - Donna Meiklejohn

Donna spoke well and addressed all concerns i had in my mind regarding ethics in journalism. That is the application or lack of application of the ethics in the reporting of 'news'

Ethics is the moral principles that govern a person's or group's behaviour and the moral correctness of specified conduct. By this definition it obvious to see the way in which journalists today govern their choices in relation to the journalism industry.

The ruthless and cold blooded pack hungry elements of journalism is what i have always not quite understood. Donna's insight into the decision making processes of journalists and media companies was eye opening for me. The ethically questionable advertisements she displayed affirmed this.

It is hard to determine what is right or wrong; and as Meiklejohn said it is never simply ethically black or white. People have different opinions, bias', values and come from different contexts.  Uniques contexts can mean everything in a journalist decision making process and may greatly vary to another journalist's. Things like heritage, religious view, political inclination and sex can define an individuals ethical moral guidelines.

All journalist at some level attempt to, with varying success, follow 'ethics theory'. 

Virtue: A code of virtue is applicable in this case. Virtues such as honesty, prudence, compassion and temperance dictate actions that are ethical in accordance with a moral code. The virtues ultimately though are created by the individual.

Deontology: This refers to one maintaining a set of rules, duties, principles and codes. As long as you follow the rules and practices that are outlined you are maintaining the appropriate ethical standard.

Consequentialism: This concept is result focused. Getting the good or right outcome is all that matters. act according to necessity, the ends justify the means. the greatest ethical level is relevant when the greater good has been done for the greater majority regardless of the individual.

All concepts have their short comings, however a combination of virtue and consequentialism seems most effective and ethical to me. The problem with that combination however is that it is down to the individual to decide the outcome.

Donna Meiklejohn also discussed the doctrine of mean which is a accessible and useful tool for journalists attempting to determine an ethical dilemma. 

Doctrine of the Mean: >courage is the mean between rashness and cowardice >justice is the mean between the in-justice of overzealous and excessive law and the injustice of lawlessness.