Ethics in Journalism

This week during lecture we discussed ethics in journalism. Ethics is a controversial issue because everyone has their own personal ethics. Since journalists do not need a license to practise journalism, ethics becomes important for a journalist’s credibility. Many credible journalists join groups such as the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance in Australia. 

I believe there should be a set of ethics for journalists. In order for journalists to serve in the public interest there needs to be credible and ethical journalism. When journalists are very unethical there is public backlash, but there are no serious consequences for the journalist. 

Some people would be willing to take photos of a person about to cause themselves harm instead of trying to intervene in the situation and help the person. Journalists have a responsibility to report on stories that are of public interest, but this does not mean that journalists can forget about their morals. Morals differ for each person, but I do not believe a story is worth a human life. 

During the tutorial our class discussed certain cases in which journalists were faced with a dilemma. In one instance, two photographers watched and filmed a man setting himself on fire. After thirty-seven seconds one of the camera men helped the man while the other camera-operator continued to film the situation. Since I was not in the situation it is hard to say exactly the steps I would have taken, but I would like to believe I would have helped the man. 

I do not understand how people can distance themselves from other humans in order to complete a job and write a story. I would feel incredibly guilty if I watched another being suffer and did not try to help. 

I believe there should be some guidelines for all journalists. Journalists should intervene in situations that are life-threatening. Their job as a journalist does not override their ability to help others. Although journalists are not trained paramedics or humanitarians, if they are witnessing a situation in which they could help, they should stop writing the story and help the victim. 

As an aspiring journalists I was shocked by some of the case studies and for some I was pleasantly surprised. When I am a journalist I will try to be compassionate and help others while still being able to report stories.