Media Ethics Part 2: Minimize Harm

Journalists have a special responsibility. They filter our news. They present a picture of the world. Journalists aren't licensed like lawyers. Yet they can impact society in huge ways. The Society for Professional Journalists has developed a voluntary Code of Ethics. In a previous post, we looked at the first tenet of journalism as defined by the SPJ - Seek Truth and Report It.

The second is to Minimize Harm. According to the SPJ, ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect. "Journalists should:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

— Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed."

Source: Society for Professional Journalists: http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Kim's Note: Do you think the mainstream media try to minimize harm? I have observed reporters follow this tenet, so I know they can. There is a fine line between reporting the news and pandering to lurid curiosity. It's interesting to think about reporters valuing sensitivity, compassion and good taste. A few of the cable news reporters could use a reminder. The SPJ says it best: Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

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