How to Be Ethical as a News Reporter
It is very important for people in the communications field (journalism, radio, TV news, on-line medium) to hold themselves to a higher standard and follow specific ethics pertaining to their career path. Not following these ethics can tarnish your credibility and character as well as get you fired from your job.
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Instructions
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Seek and report the truth. News reporters should always be honest, fair and courteous in news gathering and reporting. The following steps should be followed when gathering and reporting news: Check the accuracy of all information and take necessary steps to avoid error, identify your sources when applicable and do not plagiarize. It is recommended that you consult an ethics handbook for news reporters if you have any lingering questions about this particular ethic.
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Minimize risk and harm to your audience and co-workers. Professional news reporters should treat their sources and colleagues as humans and always respect them. Lack of respect in any field, especially in communications, can leave you jobless. A few things you should keep in mind when it comes to respect are: compassion, good taste, sensitivity and caution.
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Be independent and accountable. A few things that stand out about communications professionals include independence and accountability. Professional news reporters should not feel obligated to interests other than that of their employer and the public's right to know. Also, reporters need to be accountable to their viewers and colleagues. As a reporter, you should avoid conflicts of interest, should not accept gifts or anything of monetary value (other than your salary) in return for a story, admit mistakes and correct them in a timely manner and always report in a clear, professional and timely manner.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important that you pay close attention to how you carry yourself in the communications field. Not being ethical can lead to job and career loss and possible tarnishing of your reputation.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image Courtesy: Break It Down
