Week 3: Student Response to Discussion One and Two

ThursdayJan 25 at 5:44pm

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After reading “Strangers Bearing Gifts” I would suggest that the network decline the offer from the sales person. The network does have an audience that would probably be interested in the content, however the content could seem deceptive to the audience. Considering the story is supposed to persuade potential customers into getting brochures which provide more information on procedures to assist with diabetes, but instead mostly contains advertising. As mentioned in appendix 4, which pertains to the code of ethics in radio and television “Provide a full range of information to enable the public to make enlightened decisions” (Jacquette,2007). I believe knowing that this story leads to a brochure that contains advertising, its falsely leading the customer. It should be disclosed that the mentioned brochure does not contain further information on the procedures, but in fact advertisement for a pharmaceuticals company. I believe, by disclosing this information it allows the audience to make a conscience decision, whether they want the brochure or not. Also, I would not air the story at night, coupled with the diabetes treatment video, because there still isn’t further information provided on the actual procedures themselves. However, as a journalist if I were able to find out further information on the procedures and include this in the story, I would still air the video about the diabetes treatment. After researching the treatment, I would be able to provide the avenues that the customer could take to get further information on the procedures. As far as the pharmaceutical company, their product could also benefit some of my audience, therefore I would advise that the company pay for advertising. Although, it may be more costly to the company, my job as a journalist is “trustees of the public, seek the truth, report it fairly and with integrity and independence, and stand accountable for their actions” (Jacquette, 2007).

References:

Jacquette, D. (2007). Journalistic ethics: Moral responsibility in the media. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.