Two Ethical Lessons
This course has been very eye-opening to me, filled with lessons on how best to conduct myself in my career as well as my life. Two ethical lessons that have been most important to me that I have learned would be the lesson on conflict of interests as well as the concept of invasion of privacy. In terms of conflicts of interest, it is most important to understand that any connection between myself or others could have an effect on the way that events are covered, whether certain facts are knowingly or unknowingly shared to avoid putting a subject in a negative light, or how something is written about. For the invasion of privacy lesson, I think that it is imperative to know the ground rules for how you may cover the general public, as well as other private citizens. Understanding that there are differences in how private information may be shared, whether that person is in the privacy of their own home or out among the general population is very important. I find that both of these lessons on their own and in conjunction are crucial in order to know how to carry yourself in a media career, or in any career in general.
Case Study
In regards to a case study that touched me most importantly was that of Richard Jewel. His story of being surrounded by reporters and unfairly reported upon as a prime suspect in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing was a very large example for me of how to go forward in my career. While I understand the need to report on such a very important event in this nation’s history I took many of the things that were done incorrectly to heart. I can see now that when a large event happens it is imperative to retrieve all of the facts before running a story or covering a story in great detail. It is also important not to invade the private lives of individuals that could have their reputations deeply impacted in a negative way if facts come to light that effectively exonerates someone. Many case studies that we covered were great examples of how to learn from the mistakes of other journalists or organizations in order to better conduct me in the future.
Impact of Course on My Future and Career
This course’s impact on my life will be very prolific because I will take everything that I have been taught with me into my prospective career as a journalist. I know that I will have a very important responsibility to have good decision making, as well as understand other circumstances to do my job in a respectful and ethical way. While I will engrain in myself every lesson I have learned I will especially take with me those lessons on privacy and as well as conflicts of interest to avoid any possible breaches in my career that will endanger not only my integrity but that of my employer. In order to have the most successful career that I know that I must carry myself with the lessons that breed trust and responsibility as well as the image of someone that wants to uncover the truth, and make the most positive impact on my community.
Reflection
During the course of this class I have been confronted with ideas that I have understood for a long time, that dictate how to be the best journalist and person that I can be. However, I would say that many of the stories we have detailed as well as the personal stories we have covered have solidified what my values are as well as what I should try to embody as a person and a journalist. Learning from the mistakes others have made as well as uncovering the social science about what it means to be ethical has led to my development as a journalist and a person. I will truly take the many things we have discussed with me for my lifetime and career, as this class has been very rewarding for me.