The Code of Ethics in Journalism

The quality of our news depends heavily on journalistic ethics

Journalism refers to jobs that pertain to investigating and reporting the news. Ethics refers to a system of moral principles and values. The Online Journalism Review (OJR) identifies the ethics of journalism as the "principles [that] help separate the good writers and publishers from the frauds and con artists..." According to OJR, journalistic ethics are not based on whether the reporting is done online or otherwise.

Plagiarism

Presenting all or part of someone else's work as your own or using someone's work without credit or authorization are illegal acts. However, in the world of journalism these acts are also highly unethical and jeopardize the integrity of journalistic staff and publications that publish such information.

Acquiring Information

The ethics of journalism outline ways that information should and should not be acquired.

To begin with, a person should not misrepresent her identity or reason for obtaining information, when she is conducting an interview. It is also unethical for a journalist to obtain information by impersonating a capacity that she does not have, such as being a police officer or government official.

Payment and gifts should not be awarded to a journalist's sources. The New York Times says, "to do so would create an incentive for sources to falsify material and would cast into doubt the genuineness of much that we publish."

Ethical journalism does not include intimidation or threats. People should not feel as though they must divulge information to avert bodily, social, or financial harm.

False Identities

There are some instances when it may be necessary to use a false identity for the sake of obtaining accurate information. The New York Times Policy on Journalism identifies these clearly saying, "restaurant critics may make reservations in false names to avoid special treatment. For that same reason, restaurant critics and travel writers should conceal their affiliation."

If a source asks to have his identity remain confidential and a journalist agrees, such agreements should always be respected. The journalist may withhold or change identifying information in her reporting in these instances. However, she should make the audience aware of this.

Gifts, Benefits, Expenses

Ethical reporting should not be influenced by the receipt or goods, services, or promises of future benefits. A journalist should limit or completely avoid the instances when a subject of her reporting, any party with interest in the subject of her reporting, or a source of information in her reporting pays her expenses.

Errors

Despite the best efforts, errors occur in journalism as it does in other industries. These include misprints and inaccurate information. When this happens, news sources that respect the code of ethics, publicly admit their mistakes and make corrections if the information is available. They do this in a voluntary and timely manner.

References

• The Online Journalism Review: What Are The Ethics of Online Journalism
• The New York Times Company: The New York Times Company Policy on Ethics in Journalism