9.1 Ethical frameworks and decision-making in narrative journalism

Ethical frameworks guide journalists in making tough choices. They balance rules, outcomes, and character when deciding what to report and how. These frameworks help reporters navigate tricky situations and uphold professional standards.

Journalistic ethics involve core principles like truth-seeking and integrity. Reporters face challenges like maintaining objectivity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and handling sensitive information. Ethical decision-making is crucial for responsible journalism that serves the public interest.

Ethical Frameworks

Foundational Ethical Theories

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• Deontological ethics focuses on adherence to moral rules or duties
  • Emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions
  • Based on the idea that certain actions are universally right or wrong
  • Associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative
  • Prioritizes intentions over consequences
• Utilitarian ethics evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences
  • Aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people
  • Considers the ends to justify the means
  • Developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
  • Requires careful consideration of short-term and long-term effects
• Virtue ethics centers on the moral character of individuals
  • Focuses on cultivating virtuous traits (honesty, courage, compassion)
  • Emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom in ethical decision-making
  • Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotle's work
  • Considers the context and nuances of ethical situations

Ethical Decision-Making Process

• Moral reasoning involves applying ethical principles to specific situations
  • Requires critical thinking and analysis of ethical dilemmas
  • Includes steps such as identifying the ethical issue, gathering relevant information, and evaluating potential courses of action
  • Considers multiple perspectives and stakeholders
  • Aims to arrive at a well-reasoned and justifiable ethical decision

Journalistic Ethics

Professional Standards and Principles

• Code of ethics guides journalists' behavior and decision-making
  • Established by professional organizations (Society of Professional Journalists)
  • Outlines core principles such as truth-seeking, independence, and accountability
  • Provides guidelines for handling sensitive information and sources
  • Serves as a reference for resolving ethical dilemmas
• Journalistic integrity encompasses maintaining ethical standards and credibility
  • Involves fact-checking, verifying sources, and correcting errors promptly
  • Requires transparency about methods and sources used in reporting
  • Emphasizes the importance of avoiding deception or misrepresentation
  • Builds trust between journalists and their audience
• Public interest serves as a guiding principle for ethical journalism
  • Prioritizes reporting on issues that affect society at large
  • Balances the public's right to know with individual privacy concerns
  • Considers the potential impact of reporting on vulnerable individuals or groups
  • Requires journalists to act as watchdogs and hold those in power accountable

Ethical Challenges in Journalism

• Objectivity vs. subjectivity presents an ongoing debate in journalism
  • Objectivity aims for impartial, balanced reporting of facts
  • Subjectivity acknowledges the inherent biases and perspectives of journalists
  • Requires transparency about personal viewpoints that may influence reporting
  • Balances presenting multiple perspectives with providing context and analysis
• Conflict of interest arises when personal or professional interests compromise journalistic integrity
  • Includes financial interests, personal relationships, or political affiliations
  • Requires disclosure of potential conflicts to maintain transparency
  • May necessitate recusal from certain stories or assignments
  • Emphasizes the importance of maintaining editorial independence
• Ethical dilemmas challenge journalists to navigate complex moral situations
  • Includes decisions about publishing sensitive information or protecting sources
  • Requires weighing competing ethical principles and potential consequences
  • Involves considering the broader societal impact of journalistic choices
  • Necessitates ongoing reflection and discussion within the profession