Today we talked about journalism ethics. It's a complex topic and the answers to what is right and wrong aren't always apparent. As I mentioned, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has a code of ethics, as do the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA, which recently changed its name from Radio Television News Directors Association) and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA).
One of those very complex issues involves WikiLeaks, and its release of classified documents about the wars in Iran and Afghanistan. Here's what SPJ had to say about it.
And below are just a few of the questions you might ask, plus guidelines to follow, when trying to make ethical decisions.
•Seek truth and report it as fully as possible
•Act independently
•Minimize harm
Questions to ask:
•What are the possible consequences of my actions?
•What is my journalistic purpose?
•What are my alternatives to maximize my truth-telling responsibility and minimize harm?
•Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and decision? To my colleagues? To the stakeholders? To the public?
I know we talked a bit about this, but feel free to post any further thoughts.
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