Ethics Notes

Journalism Do's

Accuracy 

• Make sure the facts are right and the right facts are there.

Fairness

• Make sure to present all sides, arguments, and opinions.

Context

• Tell the whole story.

Truth

• Let the facts fall where they may, and you'll give readers and viewers a chance to begin to find the truth.

Journalism Don'ts

Plagiarism

• Never use the words and ideas of another without giving credit to the source.

Sloppy Reporting

• Don't fail to check the facts.

Bias

• Don't allow your news reports to be influenced by your own opinions.

Conflicts of Interest

• Don't report a story if you are not completely independent from that story.

Deception

• Never, ever invent character, quotations or any part of a story.

Journalism Dilemmas

Anonymous Sources

• These are people who supply or "lead" information to you on the condition that you will not mention their names or identities as the sources of information.

Misrepresentation

• This occurs when you pretend to be someone other than a journalist or use deceptive tactics to get a story.

Lack of Regard For Privacy

• This occurs when you reveal facts of a person nature about someone and many readers and views think you have invaded that person's privacy.

Sensationalism

• This occurs when you offer news coverage designed to excite or entertain more than to inform.