Ethical dilemmas

Definition

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which a person faces conflicting moral principles and must choose between two or more courses of action, each of which may violate some ethical standard. These situations often arise in journalism, particularly when journalists have to balance the public's right to know against the potential harm that their reporting might cause to individuals or communities. Navigating these dilemmas requires a careful consideration of the ethical implications and potential consequences of each option.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas in journalism often involve conflicts between the need for transparency and the potential harm that might result from exposing certain information.
2. Journalists may face ethical dilemmas when dealing with confidential sources, where revealing their identity could put them at risk.
3. The Society of Professional Journalists has a code of ethics that addresses many common ethical dilemmas journalists encounter.
4. Investigative journalism frequently presents ethical dilemmas as reporters may uncover wrongdoing that could have serious implications for individuals or institutions involved.
5. Resolution of ethical dilemmas often requires journalists to engage in thoughtful deliberation, considering both immediate consequences and long-term impacts on trust and credibility.

Review Questions

• How do ethical dilemmas impact the decision-making process for investigative journalists?
  • Ethical dilemmas significantly influence investigative journalists by forcing them to weigh their responsibilities to the public against potential harm to individuals involved. When uncovering sensitive information, journalists must consider whether reporting it serves the public interest or violates someone's rights. This careful balancing act can shape their approach, potentially leading them to alter how they report or even if they report at all.
• Discuss how a journalist can uphold their integrity while navigating ethical dilemmas in their reporting.
  • To uphold integrity while facing ethical dilemmas, journalists should adhere to established codes of ethics, like those from the Society of Professional Journalists. They must engage in transparent decision-making processes, actively seek counsel from peers or editors, and prioritize public interest. Additionally, documenting their thought processes can help maintain accountability and clarity regarding their decisions in complex situations.
• Evaluate the consequences of failing to effectively address ethical dilemmas in investigative journalism on public trust and societal impact.
  • Failing to effectively navigate ethical dilemmas can have severe repercussions for both public trust and societal impact. If journalists act unethically or appear biased, it can erode trust in media institutions, leading audiences to question the validity of future reporting. Moreover, unresolved ethical issues can lead to misinformation or harm innocent parties, ultimately undermining the journalist's role as a watchdog and diminishing their ability to hold power accountable.

Related terms

Journalistic Integrity: The adherence to ethical standards and principles in journalism, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and accountability in reporting.

Confidentiality: The ethical obligation to protect the privacy of sources and sensitive information, often putting journalists in challenging situations when deciding whether to disclose information.

Public Interest: The principle that guides journalists to prioritize information that benefits the community and society as a whole, often clashing with individual rights and privacy.