Journalism Ethics Vocabulary Quiz

Study Notes

Vocabulary Study Notes

Ethics: Philosophical examination of moral values and rules guiding behavior; essential for assessing right and wrong in various contexts, particularly in journalism and communication.
Credibility: Emphasizes the importance of being believable and trustworthy; crucial for establishing authority and reliability in reporting.
Objectivity: Highlights the necessity of treating facts impartially, free from personal biases; vital for accurate and fair journalism.
Slander: Refers to verbal attacks on an individual's character; considered a form of defamation that can harm reputations.
Fair Comment: A legal protection for journalists allowing them to express opinions on public figures or critique various media; important for maintaining freedom of expression.
Composite Characters: Describes fictional personalities created by journalists who blend traits from multiple real individuals; useful for storytelling while upholding privacy.
Libel: Involves publishing false statements that damage an individual’s reputation; a serious offense that can lead to legal consequences.
Right of Reply: Ensures individuals criticized in news articles have a chance to respond directly within the story; fosters fairness and balanced reporting.
Privileged Statements: Legal immunity for statements made in specific contexts (e.g., legislative and courtroom settings); protects against libel claims when discussing matters of public interest.
Forum Theory: Suggests that once a public forum exists, control over expressed ideas is relinquished; significant in discussions about free speech.
Prior Restraint: Involves preemptive censorship of expressions; a contentious issue in debates over freedom of the press and expression.
Plagiarism: Represents the act of presenting someone else's work as one’s own; undermines academic integrity and originality.
In Loco Parentis: Legal doctrine allowing institutions (like schools) to act in place of a parent; relevant in discussions of student rights and responsibilities.

Description

Test your knowledge of essential vocabulary related to ethics in journalism. This quiz covers key terms such as credibility, objectivity, and slander, focusing on their importance in reporting. Perfect for students of communication and journalism.