Problems in ethics codes of TV, Radio and Newspapers Essay Example

Problems in ethics codes of TV, Radio and Newspapers Essay The common framework of journalistic ethics that is being adopted by radio, television and newspaper associations is a fair and balanced one. Having said so, adhering to such guidelines are not without challenges. The rest of this essay will try to demonstrate why these ethical guidelines are difficult to implement in a media atmosphere dominated by private and political power. One of the basic premises under which all journalists compile their reports is the fact-checking aspect of their information. In other words, testing the accuracy of the information being reported and taking efforts to make sure that no mistake is incurred due to oversight. In reality however, there are systemic challenges to adhere to this principle. Given that most of the media coverage revolves around information released by government spokespersons, the veracity of the information given cannot be easily verified. For one thing, it is implicitly accepted that any message from government sources is an authentic and accurate one. To question or suspect elected representatives and authorities is not natural to many journalists. Hence, there are practical difficulties in implementing this particular code of journalistic ethic. We will write a custom essay sample on Problems in ethics codes of TV, Radio and Newspapers specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Problems in ethics codes of TV, Radio and Newspapers specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Problems in ethics codes of TV, Radio and Newspapers specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Further in the code of ethics one finds mention of separating the two distinct functions of news media, namely editorial opinions and factual news reports. The former is an area of subjective judgment and opinion while the latter is supposed to be objective and factual. While this dichotomy is more relevant to the print media, it is also applicable to the radio and television news media as well. Maintaining this dichotomous separation is easier said than done. What one finds in reality though is the imprint of the editorial policies on the process of selecting stories to report. A factual report is not in and of itself a neutral and objective one. Editorial pressures usually decide which stories are picked and which are left. Hence, under the apparent disguise of objectivity and factuality there can be an ideological thrust, which can serve against the interests of the common consumer of the particular news media, be it radio, television or newsprint. Another area of consensus that journalists from various mediums have agreed upon is in the judicious choice of facts and photographs that is published or shown in their reports. This code was accepted on the grounds that blatant truth can sometimes offend or hurt the sentiments of certain communities. But the flip side of this argument is the subtle â€Å"censorship† that this subjects journalists to. A recent case in point is the directive from the government of the United States to all broadcasting houses to not publish or show pictures of coffins of dead soldiers being transported back home. The rationale was that such a display would affect the morale and confidence of the family members and other fellow soldiers presently in Iraq. But the sad fact is that most of the American public does not have a clear grasp of the number of American casualties in war as a result of this policy. While this editorial obedience did succeed in keeping the minds of family members of t he marines less gloomy, it inadvertently distorted the reality of the ongoing war. In the end, the truth should be put forth to the public for effective functioning of democracy. Hence the code of ethic in this case is subversive to democratic principles. The association of journalists has pledged to act independently, without taking orders from the powers that be. While theoretically this is a sound ethical standpoint, it seldom translates into quality journalism. The fact of the matter is most of the mainstream media organizations are dependent on advertisers, be it radio, television or newspapers for their revenue. In this context, reports and analysis that are adversarial to promoting consumerism will never be acceptable for the business community. Hence, the journalism will inevitably suffer. The only way of mitigating these constraints on quality journalism, one would suppose, is to promote subscriber supported news media as opposed to an advertiser supported one. Things are already looking up in this regard. Alternative radio channels are already on the rise; and it is only a matter of time before television and newspapers catch up with it. This would revolutionize the way news is perceived and consumed. But, till then , the shortcomings inherent in the present media setup will thwart all efforts toward ethical journalism. Accountability is another key tenet that is part of the code of ethics. Being accountable to the viewers, listeners, etc has been emphasized as a core virtue for genuine journalism. But unfortunately, even in a country as politically advanced as the United States, the legislative framework of media operations is not sophisticated enough. In a true democratic setup one would expect that the laws more in favor of the general population as opposed to the business interests. But the laws in place are essentially the ones that give protection to the media conglomerates and to an extent make them not liable for their journalistic digressions. Hence, such an atmosphere does not force media houses to promote ethical journalism. Finally, keeping in mind the growing phenomenon of undercover journalistic operations, the body of journalists has tried to stem this tide through the adoption of principles against this form of news gathering. But, this pledge to curb undercover journalism comes at a time when tabloid and paparazzi supported news gathering has become rampant in the mainstream media scene. While the ethical stance of the journalists in this regard might be an earnest one, it is a very challenging proposition to put an end to gossip mongering and paparazzi photographing of celebrities and other headline makers. It is also an acknowledged fact that the general quality of mainstream media, be it electronic or print, has seen deterioration in the post Second World War period. Hence, implementing the code of ethics is going to be a very tough if not an impossible task for the well meaning journalists. The only way in which some palpable change for the better can happen is if the code of ethics is taken seriously the owners of media organizations. In other words, the initiative for ethical news broadcast has to be a top-down one as opposed to a bottom-up effort. Herein lays the only hope for the revival of the noble tradition that is associated with journalism. Bibliography: Simon Dumencio, The Media Guy; Revealed: My ethics policy (and Brangelina quota).(MediaWorks).. Advertising Age 76.26 (June 27, 2005): p46. THE PERP WALK; Watching executives climb the courthouse steps became a spectator sport in 2002.Business Week 3815 (Jan 13, 2003): p86. UNDER FIRE; These execs, too, are embroiled in a range of investigations.Business Week 3815 (Jan 13, 2003): p87. MATTHEW GRIMM, False consciousness.(ethics of marketing, media businesses). Brandweek 42.25 (June 18, 2001): p30. Here is the news.(mass media ethics).Michael Bugeja. The Ecologist 37.7 (Sept 2007): p18-19. Media Ethics and Accountability Systems, (Book Reviews)., Marion Pinsdorf. Public Relations Review 28.1 (Feb 2002): p132(2). EDITORIAL: Enforcement key to ethics protocol.(World PR Festival and ethics U.K.).PR Week (UK) (June 27, 2003): p08.