Week 3: Student Response and Assignment

ThursdayOct 19 at 6:01pm

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Hi All,

The first principle I thought was very important to share is the first on the Society of Professional Journalist’s list: Seek the truth and report it (SPJ Code of Ethics, 2014). I feel that this is so important that it cannot be stated enough. It may seem like a silly thing to have to be reminded about but I see and read “fake news� all the time. When doing an assignment, especially a political story, it is imperative to find out the truth and tell it, whether or not we agree with it. With a rush to print or publish online, the temptation to take shortcuts is a very real thing. It is not however, to be given in to and is no excuse for sloppy and work that is guessed at. It will certainly come back to haunt the reporter that is dishonest or sloppy. It is important to remember that the actions we take have an effect on politics and other issues. Our text says it best “Media do more than depict the political environment; they strongly affect the political environment,� (page7.2).

The second principle is to identify sources (SPJ Code of Ethics, 2014). Unless there is a clear and compelling reason not to reveal a source, the sources should always be named. SPJ also states that when a source is not named, a reason should be given. I just had a story two weeks ago where a local convenience store was robbed at gunpoint. The names of the two clerks were not given, per my editor because the robbers were still at large. In the lead of the story I had to write why I was not giving the names of the ladies. The ironic thing was that one of them reached out to me via Facebook and demanded to know why her name wasn’t in there. I guess some people just want their 15 minutes of fame. I don’t think she really thought about it because after I told her she agreed that it was dangerous. In political stories as in all others, withholding names of sources can lead to a lack of credibility.

The third principle that I find useful is to act independently and not take gifts or any type of favors in return for a favorable story (SPJ Code of Ethics, 2014). This is true in local or federal politics. “To woo reporters, presidents offer good story material as well as occasional scoops that may bring distinction to individual reporters. They cultivate reporters’ friendship by being accessible, treating them with respect, and arranging for their creature comforts. To keep reporters in line, presidents may threaten them directly or obliquely with withdrawal of privileges,� (Graber & Dunaway, 2015).

Always consider the intentions of everyone you meet, especially a politician.

Graber, D., & Dunaway, J. (2015). Mass Media and American Politics, Ninth Edition. Los Angeles: Sage Electronic Edition.

SPJ Code of Ethics. (2014). Retrieved from Society of Professional Journalists: https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp