Introduction & Two Ethical Lessons:
Throughout my time in ethics in the media I’ve learned two essential lessons that journalists need to enact daily while on and off the job. The professional life of a journalists means walking a narrow line. Journalists need to uphold telling the truth and serving the readership in an ethical way. The lessons I learned deal with reporting on graphic material and in conflict of interest.
In the agricultural world where are limited amount of corporate company’s in in different sectors within the industry. This predicament can open journalists to feel pressure to not be unbiased an example could be that a agricultural journalists could favor John Deere equipment over other companies could write a piece covering farming equipment could sway more in favor of John Deere and not know it. Conflict of Interest is tricky to adhere to in a world based on brands.
A new lesson I learned is how to tactfully report graphic material which I never knew about until taking the class. Growing up I would see graphic material on newspapers and magazines while standing in line at the grocery store or on the television. This kind of material generates money for publications because the stories graphic content peaks the readership interest. I discovered the means and ways an editor or news station producer can share this new information in an ethical matter. The gatekeepers have 4 vital questions what do the readers/viewers need to know such as how much detail is necessary for the audience to get the essential truth of the news? How much effort can journalists justifiably cause in the pursuit of the truth? Is the use of the graphic material the only way to tell the story? What are the alternatives?
Case Study that Impressed Me:
The case I studied astounded me on how the media reported Oliver Sipple’s victory in saving President Fords life from an assentation attempt. Sipple’s sexuality should not have been made public without his consent even alluded too. The media emphatic to the gay community used this opportunity to create buzz and help fight stereotypes. To me, I found it shameful that the journalists did not honor Mr. Sipple’s request to not have his sexuality exposed and that the media did not think about his safety.
Impact of Comm409 on my future Career and Life:
I am pursuing a career in Agricultural Communications hoping to work within the industry communicating with producers and consumers. I would like to write for a publication that serves beef producers or work as a communications specialist for an agribusiness promoting their products and services to consumers. Knowing the ethical guidelines, I need to adhere to and be aware if I cross over the line is important as I go forth after graduation looking for positions.
Reflection on the course:
This course helps prepare communications focused students to be a member of the workforce in the industry and to carry out the ethical duties of a person in the media. The course has been an eye-opener for me and has given me the tools to be a good communicator for the agricultural community.