Ethical lessons
Two important ethical lessons that I learned from the lectures and case studies are the topics of conflict on interest, and deception and truth telling. Both of these topics were concepts that I was somewhat familiar with yet I had never become educated on specific examples and occurrences within the journalism world. Through the group presentations on case studies I became educated on what exactly it means to break these ethical rules, and how to avoid making those mistakes. An ethical lesson that I learned about conflict of interest is that when someone commits the act they are in some way, whether monetarily or socially focused on personal gain. An example of a case study in which this occurred is the presentation on Leslie Roberts. This goes against everything that journalism and the right to freedom of press stands for since you are allowing personal ties and money to determine the way in which a story is being told, versus giving the most authentic and objective version.
I also learned what differentiates deception and truth telling, and why it is so important to have several credible sources, especially when the piece could result in people being charged or humiliated. In one of the case studies that discussed a rape allegation piece released by the Rolling Stone magazine , I learned about the ramifications of relying on one source for a story, and how that individual deceived the publication resulting in a lot of scrutiny for the supposed victim and the paper that released the story. From these two lecture topics I learned to not allow the idea of personal gain to affect my journalistic duties and works, as well as to have multiple sources for a story to ensure what is being said is truthful and accurate.
Case Study
One case study I learned about that impressed me the most was the case of Karla Gutierrez. This study focused on a woman (Gutierrez) who accidentally drove her car in to a canal, and was quickly sinking to her death. While still struggling to stay alive Gutierrez frantically called a 911 dispatcher, begging for help. Sadly, emergency assistance was not able to get there in time to save the victims life, since time is certainly the enemy in an event such as this. The call between the victim and the 911 dispatcher was recorded and released to the public through certain news outlets that were covering the accident. The main issues with this was that 1) the family of the victim asked for the recording to not be released and 2) The recording was of someone frantically fighting to stay alive, who lost that battle – which can be very disturbing and upsetting to the public. This case study was a very good example in which an invasion of privacy occurred, and how as journalists we must decide when a line is being crossed morally.
Reflection of course overall/ long-term impact
Overall, Comm 409 has been a course that I will be able to apply and use every day in the world of journalism and ethics. No matter my path in the communications world, being ethical and moral are certainly two attributes that I will always do my best to apply not only in the office but in every day life as well. After seeing real world examples and stories of how journalists damaged their reputation by being unethical, I believe that I will always think twice before any decision I make and apply the course concepts as well when making those decisions. I am extremely thankful for what I leaned in this course, and look forward to educating others on the power of being honest and accurate in ones work. In a time where “fake news” is such a familiar concept, I think this class is more valuable and necessary than ever before.
As a whole, Comm 409 is a class that I would recommend to anyone, even outside of the communications field. I think anyone would agree that no matter your occupation, being truthful as well as ethical is of the utmost importance.