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

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

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 –______________________ 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.

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