Presentation week! As highlighted earlier, what’s legal might not necessarily be moral.
Legality vs. Morality.
Then there are questions about how far journalists should cooperate with the authorities. When does cooperation become collaboration? When does a good contact become a corrupt relationship? These issues do arise routinely in newsrooms, not in the language of abstract moral questions, but in daily practice. In newsrooms they often say that someone has “gone native” by which they mean that, for example a crime reporter, has become too close to the police on whom he or she relies for information.
Basically, morality & ethicality is a double-edged sword, and we have to utilize it in such a way, which would not harm others, but instead exploit it for the overall benefit and well being of the public. Such as in the reporting of celebrity’s lifestyles, it is also up to the reporter to decide what is considered gossip and what is considered pushing the limit. Ethics seamlessly ties in all concepts of journalism, in whichever platform it presents itself, whether in traditional news reporting or online journalism. As the popular phrase goes, a pen is mightier than the sword and being the bearer of the ‘pen’, journalists have to deal with the power that is bestowed upon them. There is no distinct line that can clearly demarcate what is acceptable and appropriate as it ultimately culminates into one’s moral upbringing and values. The law presents what it thinks should be acceptable, but it contradicts with certain circumstances where the perpetuation of an unethical disclosure might appear to be for the general good of society.
So, what do you think? How far would you go for a story? How far would you go to protect your sources?
I think there is no clear-cut definition for what is acceptable and appropriate in morality and ethicality. Something may be moral to this person, but may be considered as immoral to another person. But I think morality makes journalism a profession that has been highly respected.
ReplyDeleteHey Jo, It was nice presentation, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to talk about legal and ethical dilemma since we finished presentation last week. As you mentioned here, such as in the reporting about celebrity's life, everything needs to consider gossip and the limit. Then what if there is no legal and ethical dilemma? Do you think it is easier to report news for journalists?
Hi Jo,
ReplyDeleteI think journalism is a unique occupation. Special because journalists have the power to inform and influence. I think they should strive to inform the public with accurate information and be the media watchdog for government agencies. However, the line gets blurred when journalists commit a crime to expose another crime. This is when in my opinion, the justification of 'a greater good' goes off-tangent and it is hard to then define with is moral and what is not.
-Andy Wang
(www.cmns3420andy.blogspot.com)