The movie we watched in class, “Shattered Glass” was about a former American journalist, Stephen Glass. As described in the movie, Glass studied journalism at the University of Pennsylvania where he also wrote for the school newspaper. After his college career, Glass went on to work for a newspaper called The New Republic. During his time at The New Republic, Glass fabricated dozens of stories. The lessons presented in “Shatter Glass” are real-life experiences and learning opportunities both for the journalism industry and future journalism students.
The film “Shattered Glass” brings forth many ethical dilemmas. First and foremost, Stephen Glass fabricated dozens of stories. Along with embellished details, Glass created quotes to fit a certain piece. Glass additionally implemented imaginary events into his stories. Along with fabricating his stories, Glass lied to his employees. Glass felt lying to his employees was necessary in order to get his stories published. He went as far as creating fake websites and fake phone numbers to trick employees into thinking his sources were legit. By no means were Glass’ actions ethical. By engaging in fabrication and deception, Glass violated the basic rules of journalism.
Glass’ decision to fabricate stories would not only affect Glass himself but would affect so many others. In my opinion, Stephen Glass began his initial fabrications due to laziness. Glass had a vision for each story, and Glass refused to alter his vision. When information and truths from an event did not match his original image, he would alter the information rather than reporting the facts. Rather than spending extra hours researching or extra time on the scene of an event, Glass would create his own quotes and his own details. Instead of putting the extra work in, Glass retreated. Once Glass realized he was getting away with the lazy work he contributed, he continued this process. Audiences loved Glass’ stories, and Glass loved the accolades and acceptance he received from his audience. The accolades led to more stories but more stories that did not include the truth.
Glass became addicted to the success and nothing could stop his desire for it. Glass went as far as lying to his coworkers to ensure his stories were published. According to a lecture presented in COMM 409 by Dr. Zhong, there are two people a journalist should never lie to: their audience and their colleagues. It is obvious Glass broke both of these rules resulting in a major ethical dilemma.
Ethical Principles are guidelines implemented to help journalists make morally conscious decisions. Immanuel Kant summed up ethicality in his quote, “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” In other words, ones actions should be ethical enough to be considered a universal truth. In addition to Kant, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill birthed the concept of utility. The duo urged society to, “Seek the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” There is an obvious gap between the ethical principles of journalism and Stephen Glass’ values. It is important to note this gap and learn from Glass’ mistakes.
In addition to historic thinkers, modern journalist also see the importance of ethics in our media industry today. In a recent study conducted on academic dishonesty, it was found that 54% of college students admitted to internet plagiarism (Jones, 2011). Kevin Smith, a former newspaper reporter and editor and current journalism professor at the University of Dayton, educates his students on the repercussions of fabrication. He urges students to refrain from this practice and gives them guidelines to do so. Smith advises students to understand the topic that they are covering and to tribute the work they borrow whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrase (Smith, 2012).
Often times, it is tempting, for students, professors and media professionals to take the easy way out. Cutting corners and saving time can be seen as an attractive outlet. This is the outlet that Glass took, but Glass was fired from The New Republic.
I believe it is so important, as an aspiring media professional, to always take the ethical route. Ethics begin in the classroom. This means don’t cheat, plagiarize, fabricate, bribe, etc. Holding a high ethical standard in the classroom will spill over to the work place which is important because information published by media companies is readily available to society. If society is going to analyze the information we provide, it must be correct. A general consensus in aspiring media professionals to always take the ethical route will create a more morally just environment in the media industry.
References:
Smith, K. (2012). Keep the urge to plagiarize at bay. Quill, 100(5), 30.
Jones, D.R. (2011). Academic dishonesty: Are more students cheating?, Business Communication Quarterly, 74(2), 141-150. doi:10.1177/1080569911404059