Conclusion:
There is no need for the current Code of Ethics.
We need to redefine the code in order for it to be effective.
Mass Communication
Mass Media Ethics
Major Essay Topic:
Journalism and the Code of Ethics
Introduction
Define Ethics
Impact of Journalism in Society
What? The current code is irrelevant to journalists, for they are agents of the mass media employed by those most powerful and influential in society.
Why? Ethics is important in every aspect of life especially important in our communications with others. An exploration of the ethics and the motivations that underlie journalists (influential agents of mass media) is fundamentally important in understanding the mass media as an agent of those dominant in our society and the forces that motivate them in their exploration of the truth.
How? A qualitative analysis of the issues pertaining to journalism and the current Code of Ethics, utilizing information from a variety of different sources to obtain a vast body of knowledge pertaining to journalism and the current code.
Areas of Concern:
1. Current Code of Ethics:
Defintion
What it entails?
Relevance to Journalists
+
2. Responsibility to Journalists:
Based on the assumptions in the Code of Ethics
Objectivity
To society and the public
Loyalty to owners
+
3. Forces that motivate Journalists that influence the truth:
Objectivity
Industry
Public Interest
Analysis:
The current Code of Ethics pertaining to journalism creates a myth if an unbiased medium, which does not exist in our society. Journalists are agents of the mass media, driven by economic forces and not by their own values or the Codes of Ethics.
Conclusion:
The current Code of Ethics is irrelevant to journalism, for Journalists are agents of the mass media and those most powerful in society.