Do journalists follow the code of ethics?
like what are the code of ethics and do they follow them? what are the consequences if they don’t?
some websites could be helpful too
thank you 
Here’s a snippet from the first link in the source category below
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice.
There are two ways to look at journalistic ethics.
1.) Look at them as a guideline and "hope" all journalists would follow them
2.) Look at them realistically and see how they are practiced in the real world. (i give a few links at the bottom as well of these examples)
A.) For the most part – no – they are not followed by today’s "journalists". Our society of instant gratification – particularly when it comes to entertainment – has bred a generation of corrupt journalists who will say anything and do anything to get a few more ticks on the rating scale, or sell a few more papers in the Sunday press.
A code of ethics essentially says to strip yourself of all personal identity – remove yourself from the report – remove your own political views from the discussion, and report on it as a completely influential figure in the room. but as the links below will show you – this never happens in this country.
Facts get omitted to create a better story. Quotes get misused and almost always taken out of context. Everyone just wants to spew forth their opinion anymore – and hope they can get a cult gathering of people who agree with them.
Makes for great TV – but also makes for the exact opposite of what an ethical journalist aspires to be.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Here’s a snippet from the first link in the source category below
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice.
There are two ways to look at journalistic ethics.
1.) Look at them as a guideline and "hope" all journalists would follow them
2.) Look at them realistically and see how they are practiced in the real world. (i give a few links at the bottom as well of these examples)
A.) For the most part – no – they are not followed by today’s "journalists". Our society of instant gratification – particularly when it comes to entertainment – has bred a generation of corrupt journalists who will say anything and do anything to get a few more ticks on the rating scale, or sell a few more papers in the Sunday press.
A code of ethics essentially says to strip yourself of all personal identity – remove yourself from the report – remove your own political views from the discussion, and report on it as a completely influential figure in the room. but as the links below will show you – this never happens in this country.
Facts get omitted to create a better story. Quotes get misused and almost always taken out of context. Everyone just wants to spew forth their opinion anymore – and hope they can get a cult gathering of people who agree with them.
Makes for great TV – but also makes for the exact opposite of what an ethical journalist aspires to be.
References :
http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
http://www.nytco.com/press/ethics.html
Example 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgXDviWQoCQ
Example 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCQ4gAAVW2k
(this example shows that a network actually CHANGES the pictures of the people they are covering completely to get across their agenda)
Example 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvSLNSn5swk
that last video is just proof that even liars have the right to free speech. Thats what is most disappointing about this country. Any idiot with a few million dollars can spread his hate and lies across the country in any form they wish – and most Americans are gullible enough to eat it up.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
As long as it supports their –or their employer’s– agenda.
References :
April 20th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
you have to .
you cannot be biast or slant the news.
I worked for one newspaepr and we covered the politicans when they would speak, like a Republican Club meeting, and a governor or US Seantor would come to make a speech.
WE could not even have a free dinner as it was inappropriate.
Web site do not know. Most papers have their own code of ethics and conduct.
If it is questionable, do not do it that would be my base guideline
References :
ex reporter.