The Code of Journalistic Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Code of Journalistic Ethics - Essay Example If he does then it amounts to misrepresentation and is an unethical exercise. This stands valid for those cases where the journalist is aware that misrepresenting himself will get him the desired information he needs, however, he shall not disobey the code of ethics. According to the writer’s opinion, this ethic of misrepresentation is absolutely fine and necessary to keep the journalists in check and to make sure that they don’t cross their boundaries as journalists. Protecting Sources of Information: This code of ethics propounds the theory that a journalist shall never divulge the source of his information under any circumstances to any person who has asked for it. It all depends if the source wants him to divulge the information or not. According to the writer, this code of ethic is absolutely sufficient an imperative for the journalist ot do his duty in the most honest fashion to his profession. A journalist should never divulge the information to anyone if the sou rce has refused him to do so, even if that amounts to going to the jail. This way the journalist is showing solidarity and a faith of trust not only towards his source but also towards his profession. Objectivity and Fairness: A journalist should be fair and objective, but this code of ethic cannot be implemented for various reasons. ... Only in those circumstances the journalist is consciously avoiding to divert opinion, but nevertheless it happens all the time. The need of the hour is to come to grips with it and implement it consciously so that the effect would be greater than what it is right now. Conflict of Interest: This code of ethic talks about the fact that there shall be no conflict of interest while a journalist is reporting to his story. I completely agree to this code of ethic and believe that there is no room for submersing the news for the sake of any relative or loved ones. A journalist should always be free and fair in his reporting and therefore it is imperative to follow this code of ethic Economic Pressure: The theory of the code of not yielding to economic pressure says that a journalist should not write a story praising an organization in return of financial advantage. However, there are certain loopholes in this code of ethic, as a journalist needs money to finance himself and his family. It i s imperative for the survival of the journalist that he is able to afford a living, as the readers who are reading his article never understand the financial plight, which the journalist might be going through. Therefore, if there are times when a journalist needs to write a story for remuneration or advertise a story then he should be able to do it without having a feeling of guilt. Privacy vs. Public’s right to know: In the writer’s opinion there is no room for investigative journalism. A journalist should never cross his boundaries when trying to unearth the information. A public celebrity is a celebrity is public and does not live in the public scheme of things. Therefore, journalists should avoid