By: Tesia M. Ortiz
As this course comes to an end, I look back at all of the case studies based on ethical lessons. We have discussed issues like invasion of privacy, conflict of interests, fabrication, plagiarism, deception and more. When it comes to journalism, journalists have a moral code to be fair and honest while understanding why media ethics matters. While reflecting on this course, I have developed an appreciation for the importance of the ethics involved in journalism and recognizing issues that may occur while developing a news story.
One ethical dilemma that I found important was the issue of fabrication. In the beginning of the semester we learned about Stephen Glass and the lengths he went to in order to cover up his fabricated stories. Glass went out of his way to make up things and pass them off as his own by inventing sources, quotations, events and people. All ethical issues were at stake when Glass chose to fabricate his stories. The repercussions of Glass’s actions were vast. He was fired from The New Republic, lost trust with his readers and could not be certified by the Committee of Bar Examiners based on Glass’s ethics. To me, I do not see the reason to fabricate. The negative effects of fabrication outweigh the effects of being an honest journalist. Another ethical lessons learned in this course was invasion of privacy. This is more of a broad and personal decision compared to the issue of fabrication. What one person may find as an invasion of privacy, the other may find as morally ethical. In the case of tennis player Arthur Ashe and USA Today author Gene Policinski, Ashe’s basic privacy was invaded. The former tennis champion, had no plans of releasing to the public about his HIV. Policinski saw Ashe’s disease as news for the public and not a personal health issue that should be kept private. In my opinion, this was a case of invasion of privacy, even though others, like Policinski, see it as ethical. There were far too many stakeholders for both Ashe and Policinski for this not be seen as an ethical violation.
The one case study that was significant to me was the case of Karla Gutierrez. Her car swerved off the road and had plunged into a canal off of the Florida Turnpike in Miami on Feb. 16, 2002. Gutierrez called 911, but she was panicked and confused and could not be rescued on time. The entire conversation between the dispatcher and Gutierrez was recorded and it can be heard when the phone went silent and she started to drown. Gutierrez’s family requested that the recording did not get released, but some news stations did not adhere to the request and released the recordings anyways. This case brings up the ethical question: Should the local TV air the 911 tape in the news? I believe that there was no benefit to airing the tape on the news. The family had one request, which was denied and there was a lack of respect. This case left an impression on me because it lies between being ethical and not ethical – it comes down to personal belief and opinion. I believe, there was nothing for the public to gain by hearing the tape. Even though the tape was not sickening, I do not agree with hearing someone’s final words and hearing them die, especially without the consent of the family.
In the future, I plan on using what this course has taught me. There are numerous ethical dilemmas that I could face whether it is framing, conflict of interests, gifting etc. I have learned that my ethical choices effects not only me but many other stakeholders. Journalism is not just developing an interesting story by what ever means necessary. It’s important to learn about the underlying ethical issues involved and what repercussions can occur. Overall, this course has taught me that not many people may agree with my decisions, but I have the right to make what decisions I see fit.