Doing Ethics in Journalism: A Handbook With Case Studies

The aim of this text is to help students recognize the important role they play as journalists, and to make the connection between excellent journalism and ethical journalism.

Key Benefit: From O.J. Simpson's trial to Louise Woodward's trial, from Princess Diana's tragic death to the Presidential Sex Scandal, the press has become an ever-present source of mediated reality -- providing facts, opinions, and images that are sometimes lauded, but are more often accused of being overly intrusive, reputation-damaging, and sometimes even life-threatening. In this news-hungry era, journalists and television consumers alike have had to ask themselves exactly how far is too far, and how much information is too much? It is no wonder that budding journalists today feel more than the usual discomfort when they learn firsthand about the realities of this career -- that it is necessary at times to intrude on people's solitude, pull news from reluctant sources, or share distressing news with a community that would rather not have it. There is a fine line to examine here, and this book serves as an incredibly useful magnifying glass.

Key Topics: This book helps readers recognize the critically important connection between excellent journalism and ethical journalism. First published by the Society of Professional Journalists, the world's largest organization of journalists, the new edition incorporates the SPJ's new code of ethics throughout the book and its analysis of numerous case studies. The cases include examples of thoughtful, powerful, and principled reporting as well as situations where regrettable decisions were made, providing important lessons about ethical journalism. Each case is followed by commentary and analysis. Some of the most highly-publicized cases of our decade are discussed -- including Richard Jewell, the Oklahoma City bombing, and more -- so that readers can see principles in action through news coverage with which they are already familiar. Market: Journalists, broadcasters of print and television media, professionals involved with issues of media ethics, and anyone with an interest in these issues.