Journalism and Ethics: Can They Coexist?

Some people think journalism is just reporting news, but it is so much more to it. One important aspect of journalism is the code of ethics. Knowing what or what not do, or in journalism what to and not to report. Journalists must practice good ethics to remain true to good character. While journalists are always facing ethical challenges, there are a few elements that always remain the same. Principles like accuracy, integrity, and accountability.

As a journalist, it is always important to report the facts. Research is number one when doing so. People want to know the truth. Journalists are responsible for making sure that their stories are factual and can be credible. A journalist should always verify the information their stories provide before it is released. There should be no excuses for inaccuracy.

The public wants to know as much information as they can get, but it is very important to know what to report no matter if it is the truth or not. When reporting information, a journalist must balance the peoples’ need to know and the potentials of being harmful and invasive to whom or what they are reporting about. They must not slander and show a regard for those who may be affected by the news.

Being a journalist takes a lot of courage, because whatever news is reported, the reporter has to be responsible for. A journalist with a good sense of ethics recognizes they are helping the people by informing them with the truth. When the truth is told, it shows the journalist has integrity and its accountable for their work.