Ethics of Journalism By Michael Flax

Society of Professional Journalists The _______ of __________ ____________ is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to _________________________________________ ____________and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Preamble-1 ______________________is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. ____________________________is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.

Preamble-2 _________________________________________ _________________________________strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. ____________________is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility.

#1 Seek Truth and Report It Journalists should be ______, ____ and __________ in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

#2 Minimize Harm Ethical journalists treat __________, _________ and _____________ as human beings deserving of respect.

#3 Act Independently Journalists should be _________________________________________ _____ to any interest other than the public's right to know.

#4 Be Accountable Journalists are accountable to their _______, _________, _________ and _______________.

Terms to Know

Defamation A false statement that injures someone's ___________ and exposes him/her to ___________________, __________, ________, or ____________

Slander An untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that ______________________________________ _____________________________ in the community. A type of defamation

Defamation Because Slander is a tort (____________________), the injured person can bring a lawsuit against the person who made the false statement.

Slander In the United States certain facts must be established for someone to be found guilty of slander.

Slander- for a case Assuming there is ______ that the defendant uttered the alleged statement, the statement must be _________ ___________________________________________ _____________________________. Slander must also _______ ________ the party or entity, and the intent must be __________.

2 types of compensation General damages Special damages ______________________ while Special damages Specific special damages might be required before general damages can be awarded

Slander Some types of slander are considered “___________ __” and are automatically awarded _________ damages without proof of special damages

Slanderous per se- must Declare the plaintiff unfit to perform his or her job adequately. Alleged criminal behavior on the part of the plaintiff.

Slanderous per se- must Claim the plaintiff has an unsavory disease. Make immoral sexual claims, especially about the virtue of a female plaintiff.

A _________ in a slander case has many potential points in his favor. A slander case may be dismissed if the injurious statements were stated as ________________________ If they are deemed “______________________________________"

Defendant (cont) If they do not actually ______________ to the plaintiff's reputation If the statements were _____.

Plaintiff The plaintiff in a slander case must prove that the defendant acted __________ or with ________ in order to win a case.

Work Cited http://www.nolo.com/definition.cfm/term/85BAB88B-0660-4AB6- A2F5C32E716A6D52 http://www.nolo.com/definition.cfm/term/E0563767-C3CE-42B0- 90107F29AF588A6C http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-slander.htm http://www.criminal-law-lawyer-source.com/terms/slander.html http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2745790/ http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp