When beginning COMM 409 I thought I had a good idea of what was and was not ethical. I may be going to school for public relations instead of journalism, but I still felt that my moral code and ethical compass was sturdy and well developed. I have since discovered while in COMM 409, that there are many ethical areas where I was less than proficient, and have thus learned a great deal that will benefit me now, and in my future careers.
Two ethical lessons that I have learned while in this class are reporting on graphic images, and the reporting of violence. Both of these topics were difficult to learn about in class as they cover generally upsetting and sometimes triggering discussions, however each discussion and lesson was valuable in giving me a better understanding of how to perform ethically when working in communications fields.
First I learned from our lectures on reporting graphic images. This was a particular area where I had difficulty opening up to the idea of why some people, and why at some times, it is beneficial for graphic images to be used in reporting. I learned that they are relevant to accurately tell stories. They can be used to show the reality of a situation or a problem that is happening. Journalists who chose to take and/run graphic images have to make the decision of, is this image be serving the greater good. This is a great deal of responsibility, as we learned that images can be contrived and used to spin narratives. So it is up to both the photographer and those choosing to show graphic images in their reporting to be responsible when doing so, and ensure that the are not causing harm by publishing an image.
Next I learned from our lectures on reporting violence. This was also the topic that I did my research case study on. This topic was difficult for me as it crosses over so many different grey areas. Where lines are blurred between different opinions on how to ethically report on violence. From the lectures I learned that there are a number of key questions that can be asked in order to ethically guide a decision on what to include when reporting on violence. A journalist should consider what the viewer needs to know, how much detail is necessary, if there are any alternatives to including graphic detail in order to accurately tell a story, and if the journalist themselves is putting their most effort towards pursuing truth. These questions can go a long way towards ensuring that a story is accurate and complete, while not being harmful. An example of this would be when a journalist is reporting on a mass shooting. Statistics and details such as how many were injured and where are relevant, but information such as the name of the accused and the overly graphic details of the crime scene are not necessarily always relevant for the story, and could be causing more harm than good.
The case study that I learned the most from in this class would be the ‘Covering Death’ case study. This is the case discussing the dancer who fell from the top of a building during a public performance at Pioneer Square, Seattle. This performance was being watched by people of all ages in public, but it was also being photographed and filmed by the onlookers. Those documenting the dance captured the terrible moment the dancer fell to their death on camera, the question then is asked—should this footage be used in news reporting on the event? What I learned during this lecture is that this ethical decision needs to be made keeping in mind how these images will add to the story, if they are necessary to explain the event, if they will cause more harm than good to the viewer, and if using the image will be done so in the quest to push for truth. This lecture taught me a lot about what is and is not necessary when covering graphic events, and how to see the different opinions on this ethical debate.
In my future career and life I envision this course benefiting me in various ways. I envision it helping me to be a ethical and empathetic coworker in all of my work spaces. Working for the good of all of those who I serve, and ensuring that I have a developed and informed outlook on what is right and wrong when making decisions. My ethical compass has been further developed by COMM 409, where I have learned more about ethical decision making than I ever have. In my life I see this new understanding of ethics helping to support me in all of my relationships. Making me a good friend, daughter, sister, spouse and mother. I see it giving me a set of ethics that can guide me—especially when making difficult life decisions.
Overall this course has been incredibly beneficial. This is the type of class that teaches you what really matters when it comes to being a functioning member of society. How to act and behave ethically, is absolutely crucial to the continued growth and development of our world. This class was very positive and beneficial for me. I recommend it be required for all Penn State students.