Exploring Ethics in Journalism
Task One - Freedom of the Press
This task will be completed using a method called “Think, Pair, Share.”
Each of the statements below is a key idea that underlies journalistic codes of ethics. Your job is to figure out :
Press Ethics Statements:
"We can only justify preventing freedom of speech if people are harmed" (John Mill's Harm Principle).
Never distort, fabricate or plagiarize.
"The only security of all is in a free press" (Thomas Jefferson).
You must act in the best interest of the public.
You should act the way you think others should act (Kant's Categorical Imperative).
You must not do harm.
"I may not believe in what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it" (Thomas Jefferson).
Do not invade privacy.
Exploring Ethics in Journalism
Task Two - Code of Ethics Suggestions
Considering your own statements and other statements in the class from Task One, consider what ideas you think should be included in the class’s Journalistic Code of Ethics. Work in groups of three or four and using Google Drive, create a document that is shared among your group.
Once you have come to an agreement on the the group’s ideas, check out the Society of Professional Journalist’s Code of Ethics and consider whether there are any statements that should be included in the class Code of Ethics. Come to an agreement on which, if any, statements should be added and add in brackets (SPJ) after statements from this website. The link to this site is:
http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
On Google Drive, Publish the document to the web so you can retrieve a link. Add the link to one (or all) of your journalism blogs. Using that link, you will present your findings to the class.
During the class presentation, look for differences and similarities among the groups’ suggestions for the class Code of Ethics. We will decide on the code based on the suggestions and upon further discussion.
Task Three - Problem Solving Scenarios
Choose one or two partners. With your partners, read each of the cases below and decide what is the ethical choice to make. Use your Code of Ethics to make the choice whenever possible. Spend at least two minutes on each case, and be prepared to defend your response.
When everyone has completed discussing the cases, the teacher will call on groups to present their solutions to each problem. Be prepared to justify the choice your group made.
Case 1 – You are covering a story of terrorists taking over a school. In the middle of your live feed to the news, you see one of the hostages escape from the school into a central courtyard. Do you mention the child’s escape in your live coverage?
Case 2 – You are a reporter who covers new technology for a local newspaper. The owner of a technology company asks you to anonymously help him write a press release. Do you accept the paying job on your own time?
Case 3 - You are covering a car accident when another reporter arrives late. She asks you to fill her in on the story. Do you?
Case 4 – You are interviewing a doctor about a recent disease outbreak when he is called away. As he leaves he puts a file regarding the disease on the coffee table. He has not discussed the contents of the file with you. Do you look in the folder?
Case 5 – You are the editor of a small local newspaper. Five employees of the largest employer in town come to you with stories of unsafe business practices that are the result of the choices made by the business’ millionaire owner. They have asked to be kept anonymous, but have given their statements in writing and say they will testify in court if the newspaper is sued. Do you run the story?
Case 6 – The 21 year old son of a prominent politician has been charged with possession of drugs. Do you include her name in the story about her son?
This lesson plan is from http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/de/journalismstudies20/print_journalism/intro_ethics.htm