The Evolution of Ethics in Journalism

            The application of ethics to journalism is a unique and varying factor. In some cases, ethics are followed just as laws are. However, in all too many instances, ethics may be abused for personal and financial gain. This is a huge factor in the battle of “want to know” vs. “right to know” information. Surprisingly, the public’s right to know is not as free as one might think it is. This information is usually associated with legal rights and examples of these rights include court transcripts and open records. On the other hand, the so-called “right to privacy” has gradually been less obeyed in recent decades. One of these violations is falsely labeling a person’s image for personal advantage.

            The most common information distribution strategy falls under the category of want to know. This information is less ethically driven and is typically motivated by factors such as financial gain, rather than a desire for quality news and media. In addition, there is the public’s “need to know”, which is not as promising as it may sound. Information that is in this category maybe be subject to a decision regarding what version of the truth the public should actually know.

            Evidently, there are ethical loopholes and strategies all over the world of journalism. The manner in which news is conveyed has come to a point where it is sometimes difficult to figure out what is truthful and what is a lie. This must be addressed before the news becomes responsible for all of the world’s disarray.

Questions I would ask my expert:

1. Many feel, quite justifiably, that rules are not the answer to these ethical issues we face in the contemporary world of journalism. If rules cannot solve these issues, what do you think the answer may be?

2. Which form of information distribution (right to know, need to know, or want to know), in its current state, do you think is the most beneficial for our society?