1. *Please copy down this title slide and what is written in color
Unit 2: With Rights Come Responsibilities
2-1 The Importance of
ETHICS in
SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM
*Please copy down this title slide and what is written in color

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

3. Journalism is supposed to be…
a profession which prides itself on truth and accuracy.
In this new age of instant media, journalists’ audiences have to believe in their truth and accuracy for the journalist to survive.
A lack of sound, ethical decisions equals a lack of credibility in the eyes of the public.

4. 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 to Teaching Journalism Ethics:
#1 - Questioning
#2 - Discussion
#3 - Reflection

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

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

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

8. 10 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?

9. 10 Questions to Ask Before Publishing*
What are the stakeholders – those affected by my decision? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate?
What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders?
What are the possible consequences of my actions? Short term? Long term?

10. 10 Questions to Ask Before Publishing*
What are my alternatives to maximize my truth-telling responsibility and minimize harm?
Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and my decision? To my colleagues? To the stakeholders? To the public?
*Questions created by ASNE’s Ethics Committee