ETHICS 2-1 The Importance of SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM in Unit 2: With Rights Comes Responsibilities 2-1 The Importance of ETHICS in SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM

“All we have to lose is our credibility.” HUH??? “All we have to lose is our credibility.” - H.L. Hall

Why is it important to teach ethics to journalism students? Teaching journalism is to teach more than a subject. It is to teach a craft, a profession – a responsibility. If students want to publish content as if they are professionals, they must first realize that power and responsibility. That’s where teaching ethics comes in. “Thinking about ethics is to think about what journalism is and what journalists do.” – Karen Sanders

“All we have to lose is our credibility.” – H.L. Hall Ranking? A 2006 Gallup Poll on Honesty & Ethics revealed that journalists were ranked 13th out of 23 professions as 26% of respondents said journalists had high or very high ethical standards…Overall, journalists were listed above state governors, business executives, and lawyers, but below chiropractors, bankers, and psychiatrists. A 1996 Harris Poll on revealed that 75% of American adults said journalism is politically biased, and only 33% said news media dealt fairly with all sides. U Feel??? Are these results disturbing?

YES. A Profession which prides itself on truth and accuracy A Profession in this new age of instant media, their audience has to believe in their truth and accuracy to survive. The lack of sound ethical decisions equals the lack of credibility in the eyes of the public. Affect???

And it all starts with student journalists… Ethical decision making skills can be taught, can be practiced, and indeed they SHOULD be taught to and practiced by journalism students. There are many ways to do this at the scholastic level, but always keep in mind teaching ethics is a process. 3 Keys??? 3 Keys to Teaching Journalism Ethics: #1 - Questioning #2 - Discussion #3 - Reflection

Questioning. Define… Students must question their actions, their motives, and the expected outcome.

Discussion. Define… Students must discuss with others, challenge their views and beliefs and come to an editorial decision.

Reflection. Define… Students must be given time to reflect and process their personal beliefs and viewpoints.

Questions to Ask Before Publishing* What do I know? What do I need to know? What is my journalistic purpose? What are my ethical concerns? What organizational policies and professional guidelines should I consider? How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision-making process?