Ethics of Journalism

What is the purpose of journalism?

• To tell exciting stories

• To influence readers' opinions in favor of a particular stance

• To provide readers with information needed to make good decisions

The ethical principle of "accuracy" requires journalist to...

• Report factual and verifiable information

• Report only cool and interesting facts

• Report only the most important information

The ethical principle of "objectivity and fairness" requires journalist to...

• Report on the most interesting viewpoint

• Decide which viewpoint is the most important

• Report using balanced coverage of a story

The ethical principle of "independence" requires journalist to...

• Rely on only interesting witnesses

• Avoid conflicts of interest

• Use only witnesses that the journalist knows well

The ethical principle of "accountability" requires journalist to...

• Make sure they never make any mistakes

• Only correct a mistake when a reader points it out

• Take responsibility for any errors

The ethical principle of "privacy and sensitivity" requires journalist to...

• Avoid sensationalizing stories and invading anyone's privacy

• Report every single fact no matter what

• Only publish what their subject has approved

The ethical principle of "diversity and inclusivity" requires journalist to...

• Represent varying perspectives

• Represent large groups that bring in more readers

• Represent their constituent readers

The ethical principle of "public interest" requires journalist to...

• Prioritize stories that they believe the public should know

• Prioritize stories that the public will find interesting

• Prioritize stories that serve the public's right to know