Journalism Code of Ethics

Thousands of diary keepers completely over world voluntarily embrace the journalist code of ethical motive as a comminuted set of determine and surpass falls involve to be a nonrecreational and virtuously up justly journalist. The Society of Journalists (SPJ) says that the code is non intended as a set of convenings but as a resource for ethical finish making. Because it is not legally enforced, it is up to the haleness of the journalist to maintain the code of ethics. It is not possible to ensure that all journalists abide by the code of ethics.There willing be some, who could not confirm by their codes, economic values and integrity when they are in the face of economic and social pressures, and elect to tread the grey scene of actions instead. People do not be make do swelled journalists in a day. Its a slow fade when gruesome and white is turned to grey. We mustiness be genuinely careful not to give ourselves away to unethical acts, and disregard our morals in narrate to get a nigh(a) story or some forcible rewards. In Singapore, we are blessed to have good, ethical journalists, who present very transparent news.The same cannot be said for m whatever journalists in opposite parts of the world. Breslins (1997) pack found the following In Japan, journalists voluntarily and regularly curtail their truth-telling through the practice of self-censorship not from coercion by the political relation, but by their own press organizations that cover government. In the Peoples country of china, journalists manage all essential workers are in the employ of government and pay homage to the truth, but place a lower value on pursuing with any aggressiveness or perseverance.In Korea, journalists most oft recognize truth as the word of government, and identify themselves with the elite ruling forces and identify their role as helping to ensure harmony amid the rulers and the ruled. Their closeness to government is often measured by the a mount of notes in the white envelopes they receive from their sources. Journalists cannot live in the clouds, doing what they think is right without pressures being put on them. Often, journalists face pressure from a cast of sources, all trying to make the journalist behave in a way which is not the way the journalist would choose.Journalists are imperfect and fallible. nevertheless we must attempt to resist the pressures and take a stand. As such, it is chief(prenominal) to review the current journalism code of ethics, and find out whether it is motionlessness relevant and sufficient. Indeed, the code of ethics should reflect values, challenges and realities of journalism. However, in addition umpteen of them are mostly lists of dos and donts (usually more than donts), sooner than helpful guides to making ethical decisions in situations that arent as primary as the policies sometimes make them (Buttry, 2010).Also, with much of the articles and stories done on digital soci al computer programs, the current journalism code of ethics is lacking guidelines on the use of social media. The journalism code of ethics attempts to direct journalists from problematic situations but as the saying goes it is easier said than done. The scenarios portrayed are too vague and unrealistic. A journalist may find himself in respective(a) situations where the code of ethics fails to address. As such, the code of ethics is insufficient. I would propose an update on the code of ethics with new rules to become more applicable to modern day journalism.When using social media as a platform for a story, be aware of the group who capacity be misrepresented because they do not use social media as often. For the partitioning headlined protecting sources of information if a journalist assures a source that he would keep the informants identity a secret, he must keep his word under all circumstances. I would like to add, do not publish critical opinions from people seeking co nfidentiality. The motives of sources should always be questioned. People who wish to express somebodyal opinions in the media should always stand behind their opinion. Objectivity and fairness.A journalist must always be object glass when he writes a story. I would like to add, keep an open judgment to all views, even views that we are uncomfortable with. It is in reality, harder to write objectively if the subject interest or disgust us. Suppose men like Hitler and Osama bin laden whom many check to be evil, are unchanging living among us today. And suppose an update comes in and says that Hitler is now corroborate dead Or Osama bin laden success copiousy unleashed another study terror act upon innocent citizens. And yet, the journalist must refrain from sprightly or groaning in disgust and report fairly.Also, journalists should be fair to all sources. Official and unofficial sources can both be of equal validity. The line between economic pressure and doing a party favou r can be rather thin at times. The same scenario stated in the study guide if you work for a small-time newspaper, which is in financial difficulties, you might be asked by an adman to write an article in favor of a particular product, company or even a person in return for buying advertising space in your newspaper. It will be against the integrity of the journalist to praise said product, company or person if he does not believe in them.He would be amenable to economic pressure if he complies. However, if the same journalist deems the product, company or person to be acceptable to him and the public and thus agrees to do the advertiser the favor, is it tranquillize against journalistic ethics? As such, I would propose a new rule a journalist while in full noesis that the product, company or person is of little or no benefit to the public, must never promote or write favourably about that product, company or person, to be better than it is. Acceptance of gifts is prohibited. A journalist should not demand payment in cash or in kind for journalistic work.And he cannot accept them either, even if they come without demand. This is necessary to ensure fairness and credibility. However, the code of ethics offers no guide regarding how a journalist should donate to support a cause or a political group. A journalist is still a person with rights, and his job does not make him any less of a citizen of a democratic society. Referring to the controversial issue where Keith Olbermann donated $7200 of his own money to three candidates lead for public office. The incident resulted in the dismissal of Keith Olbermann from MSNBC.Greener (2010), posted Who among us ask to get their employers permission before making an open and legal political donation? The code of ethics does not address how journalists may give, only on what we can or cannot receive. It is understandable, that the very nature of the job views any donations by a journalist to be a bias towards the or ganization. therefore the need for more transparency. I would propose a new rule A journalist may contribute freely to any gracious cause, as long as he does it openly and state the exposit on any articles related to the topic.What should a journalist do if he were to start a personal blog? In this new digital age, the code of ethics is not sufficient in covering the area of digital social media. Do the same rules apply as if the journalist was writing for an official paper? Can he have granting immunity of speech in his personal blog? Or is he still held accountable for every word. This new rule should be introduced A journalist may post freely on his personal blog. But collectible to the nature of his job, he should not comment on any topics he discussed on his official medium, so that he does not compromise his professional integrity.A journalist should be responsible for whatever he writes. The purpose of inform objectively and fairly is to ensure as little people as possi ble get hurt or affected by what we write. heretofore so, it is inevitable that people can get offended sometimes. So, a journalist must admit mistakes and correct them publicly. Print is not the only platform for journalists. Other mediums include photography, video, graphic art designs, audio etc. referable to the different methods of communication, more rules and guidelines are required.A lack of skill or knowledge about different media should not be an excuse for a perish in ethics. In conclusion, a journalist is held accountable to his own integrity and morals. The journalism code of ethics is merely a guideline, for journalist to consider when they bump into situations in their professional work. Journalism is not as guileless a job as what the general public thinks. Much is required of a journalist commitment, responsibility, compassion, an inquisitive mind. These are merely the beginning of the many attributes a good journalist requires.Of course, one cannot become a goo d journalist overnight. A professional journalist is built on corporate trust acquired through experience, by overcoming obstacles and holding onto ethics. References Brislin, T. (March 6-8, 1994). An update on journalism ethics in Asia Values and practices as context for meaning in Japan, China and Korea. In Jounalism Ethics in Asia. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from http//www2. hawaii. edu/tbrislin/asiaeth. html. Buttry, S. (November 7, 2010). Journalists code of ethics time for an update?.In The Buttry Diary. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from http//stevebuttry. wordpress. com/2010/11/07/journalists-code-of-ethics-time-for-an-update/. Greener, R. (November 5, 2010). Keith Olbermann suspended by MSNBC Like Louie Im shocked . In The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from http//www. huffingtonpost. com/richard-greener/keith-olbermann-suspended_b_779736. html. SPJ enroll of ethics. (1996-2012). In Society of Professional Journalists. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from ht tp//www. spj. org/ethicscode. asp.