This course has taught me many valuable lessons about ethics and the news media this semester. It has enlightened me about the difficult and unfathomable actions of some reporters and newsrooms in the media industry. Two aspects of journalism that we discussed this semester that really hit home for me was “deception and truth telling” and “conflicts of interest.” These two were interesting to me because they’re most prevalent in journalism today and often are scrutinized the most when it comes reporter’s reputations.
Deception and truth telling is something that many journalists receive bad reputations for because of the negative connotation that’s associated with this principle. Although, deception may not be the most efficient or proper means of informing the public, it can make a difference in revealing the truth. For example: Our textbook mentions the ABC vs. Food Lion Case that helped reveal the unsanitary practices conducted by Food Lion employees and staff. Although this methodology was very questionable since both producers lied about their resumes and applications, it did enlighten people about a grave health hazard. However, it is important to note that it is in the best interest of the public and any journalists’ career that all facts are checked and accurate.
Conflicts of interest are moral dilemmas that reporters are faced with when trying to convey the news from an objective point of view. A conflict of interest may result in a journalist showing favoritism towards one party which may question the validity and accuracy of the story provided. For example: The analogy that was made during class was sports officials and managing a game. Referees wouldn’t be impartial to one team to elevate the success of another because it disrespects the integrity of the game, just like a reporter wouldn’t do the same to its readers and the truth behind a story. It’s important the accuracy and objectivity remain pinnacle when informing the people about public events that will help them make decisions.
A case study that stood out to me specifically during class this year was deception and the tale of famous fabricator, Stephen Glass. The movie Shattered Glass highlighted a lot of important key concepts when it comes to the civic duty of being a journalist and reporting the news. Glass’s fabrications and lack of responsibility emphasized the importance of not duping your colleagues and readers because it diminishes not only your credibility, but also the credibility of your current newsroom, in this case The New Republic. It also personally made me aware of some the actions conducted by journalists that helped lay the foundation for why the press is often associated with a negative image.
This course had a great impact on my outlook of the journalist and the importance of maintaining an ethical reputation. These lessons in particular have made me become more aware of my actions and the way I conduct myself as individual. A person’s character speaks volumes about the way they handle hardship, obstacles, and challenges and retaining an honest and objective mindset will not only help one’s career success, but also earn the respect of peers and colleagues.
Comm 409 was a great experience and I recommend it to both communications and non-communications majors. It’s a course that brings to light some of our nation’s most flawed scams, but also landmarking cases that helped provide change for the future. I believe it’s important to take a course like this because it is a reminder to people the importance of being grounded in good morals and principles.