Mass Communications Ethics Mass Communications in Society Communications 233

The Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As seen in various faiths As seen in various faiths As seen in various faiths As seen in various faiths

Issues in mass comm ethics Truthfulness Truthfulness Honesty Honesty Commitment to a common standard of practice Commitment to a common standard of practice –Codes –Morality

Ethics in Practice (Journalism) Sensationalism Sensationalism Invasion of Privacy Invasion of Privacy Negative Emphasis Negative Emphasis Accuracy Accuracy Jeopardizing Fair Trials Jeopardizing Fair Trials

Ethics in Practice (Advertising) Manipulation of vulnerable audiences Manipulation of vulnerable audiences Offensive products Offensive products Misrepresentation Misrepresentation Harmful products Harmful products Honesty Honesty Lack of substance Lack of substance

Ethics in Practice (Public Relations) Inside Information Inside Information Pleasing a client at any cost Pleasing a client at any cost Altering the news Altering the news Deception Deception

Ethics in Practice (TV/Film) Glorifying sex/violence Glorifying sex/violence Lack of substance Lack of substance Influence on children Influence on children Stereotyping Stereotyping

Mass Comm Responses Codes Codes Professional Societies Professional Societies Certification/licensing Certification/licensing Consumer Involvement Consumer Involvement Industry Responsibility Industry Responsibility

Ted Smythe’s “Go to Hell Fund” One day you will be tested One day you will be tested You should prepare for that day... save money. You should prepare for that day... save money. When you are asked to violate your code of ethics... When you are asked to violate your code of ethics just tell them to “Go to Hell.”... just tell them to “Go to Hell.”