Journalism Ethics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What should journalists consider regarding the motives of their sources?

Motives are irrelevant as long as the information is accurate.

Motives should only be considered in public scandals.

All sources should be granted anonymity automatically.

Anonymity should be reserved for sources who face potential harm. (correct)

What is the highest obligation of ethical journalism?

To serve the public. (correct)

To provide sensational stories.

To support advertising partners.

To entertain the audience.

How should journalists handle conflicts of interest?

Only disclose them when pressured.

Ignore them if they do not affect the story.

Accept gifts if they are not substantial.

Disclose unavoidable conflicts and avoid perceptions of bias. (correct)

What type of sourcing methods should journalists avoid?

Undercover or surreptitious methods if possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is a journalistic obligation regarding public affairs?

To serve as watchdogs over public affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What approach should journalists take towards diverse viewpoints?

Support exchanges of views, even if disagreeable. Signup and view all the answers

How should sponsored content be handled by journalists?

Label it prominently to distinguish it from news. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ethical consideration regarding gifts and favors?

Decline all gifts to maintain impartiality. Signup and view all the answers

What should journalists avoid in their reporting?

Stereotyping and bias in coverage. Signup and view all the answers

What role does transparency play in journalism?

Transparency enhances public trust and accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of ethical journalism as stated in the principles?

To ensure public enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the need for accuracy and fairness in journalism?

Seek truth and report it Signup and view all the answers

How should journalists treat personal information about private individuals compared to public figures?

Private individuals have a greater right to control their information. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for journalists to avoid pandering to lurid curiosity?

It undermines the ethical standards of journalism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial action journalists must take regarding information accuracy?

Verify information before releasing it. Signup and view all the answers

What must journalists be cautious about when making promises?

They should ensure they can keep the promises they make. Signup and view all the answers

In gathering and reporting information, what role does context play?

It helps prevent misrepresentation or oversimplification. Signup and view all the answers

What is a responsibility of journalists when covering stories involving juveniles and victims of sex crimes?

To show heightened sensitivity in coverage. Signup and view all the answers

What should journalists do when updating and correcting information in a story?

Update and correct information throughout the life of the story. Signup and view all the answers

When identifying sources, journalists are advised to:

Identify sources clearly to ensure accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of ethical journalism?

To attribute sources and avoid plagiarism Signup and view all the answers

How should journalists handle mistakes in their reporting?

Acknowledge and correct them promptly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of the SPJ Code of Ethics?

Avoid engaging in civil dialogue with the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of labeling advocacy and commentary in journalism?

To clarify the nature of the content for the audience Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for journalists to expose unethical conduct?

To maintain the integrity of journalism Signup and view all the answers

What does minimizing harm in journalism involve?

Balancing public information needs against potential harm Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to ‘label illustrations and re-enactments’?

To provide context and clarity to visual information Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the SPJ Code of Ethics?

A guide with principles for responsible journalism Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of journalists in responding to questions about accuracy?

To ensure that all information is presented without distortion Signup and view all the answers

How should journalists view their sources and subjects?

As human beings deserving of respect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preamble

Professional journalists strive for accurate, fair, and thorough information exchange.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists must be accurate and fair.
Verify information before release.
Original sources are preferred.
Context is crucial.
Update and correct information throughout the story's life.
Identify sources clearly.
Consider motivations behind source anonymity.
Seek subject responses.
Avoid undercover methods unless necessary.
Hold those in power accountable.
Support open discussion.
Serve as watchdogs over public affairs.
Provide access to source material.
Tell diverse stories.
Avoid stereotypes.
Label opinions and commentary.
Avoid fact distortion and plagiarism.
Clearly label illustrations.

Minimize Harm

Treat all parties with respect.
Balance public interest with potential harm.
Show compassion for those affected.
Especially consider vulnerable populations.
Recognize differing legal and ethical accessibility.
Respect privacy concerns.
Consider long-term implications.
Avoid pandering to morbid curiosity.
Balance fair trial rights with public information needs.
Consider implications of suspect identification.
Weigh consequences of publishing personal information.

Act Independently

Avoid conflicts of interest (real or perceived).
Refuse gifts, favors, and undue influence.
Be wary of sources offering information in exchange for favors or money.
Identify and disclose paid content.
Resist pressure from special interests.
Differentiate between news and advertising.

Be Accountable and Transparent

Be responsible for work.
Explain reporting choices to the public.
Respond quickly to questions and concerns.
Correct mistakes promptly.
Expose ethical violations within organizations.
Meet the same standards expected of others.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational principles of journalism ethics, focusing on the importance of truth, accuracy, and minimizing harm. It covers the responsibilities journalists have to their sources and the public, emphasizing fair reporting and ethical considerations in various situations.