Journalism Ethics

Overview

The essentials of virtuous reporting

Closely organized around the Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics—the news industry's widely accepted "gold standard" of journalism principles—this updated edition uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how journalism students and professionals can identify and reason through ethical dilemmas. Stressing the cross-platform viability of basic ethical principles, this study features a wide selection of case studies penned by professional journalists—including several new additions—that offer examples of thoughtful, powerful, and principled reporting. Cases where regrettable decisions have taught important lessons are also included, providing a new template for analyzing moral predicaments. Examining the similarities and differences between media law and media ethics, this revised edition includes chapters such as "Seek Truth and Report It," "Minimize Harm," "Act Independently," and "Be Accountable." Describing the basic connection between ethical journalism and excellent journalism, this is a lively, succinct, and accessible discussion of how this type of reporting can be morally upheld in the present day, regardless of medium or platform.

Reviews

"[T]he content of Journalism Ethics: A Casebook of Professional Conduct for News Media continues to make it an essential reference for the classroom, the office, and the newsroom--regardless of medium or level of experience." —Media Ethics (February 2012)

Author Biography

Fred Brown is a professor in communication ethics at the University of Denver and a principal in the media training and consulting firm Hartman & Brown, LLP. He is a former national president of the Society of Professional Journalists and remains active on their ethics committee. He writes a column on ethics for Quill magazine, a Sunday editorial page for the Denver Post, and conducts analysis for NBC. He lives in Denver, Colorado.