Ethical Problems in Mass Media

Ethical Problems in Mass Media challenges students to examine and analyze, as both consumers and potential creators, ethical issues in mass communication on a variety of levels. Beginning with a discussion of key ethical philosophers and frameworks and then addressing ethical dilemmas present in a variety of media fields, the book encourages students to think critically about the difficult choices and the ethical consequences of those choices they may encounter as mass communication professionals.

The opening chapter outlines five ethical theories centered on the notions of virtue, duty, utility, rights, and love. Over the course of five distinct units, students are provided with cases and read about topics often of ethical concern in the areas of news journalism, politics, advertising, public relations, and media. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter prompt students to apply theoretical frameworks to the cases and topics presented, inspiring critical thought and self-reflection.

Designed to help students develop their own personal definition of ethics, morals, and values, Ethical Problems in Mass Media is an ideal text for courses in mass communication and mass media.

K. Megan Hopper is an associate professor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University. She holds a doctoral degree in media studies from the University of Missouri and a master's degree in communication from Illinois State University. In 2018, Dr. Hopper received the Distinguished Early Career Achievement Award in Media Psychology and Technology from the APA Society for Media Psychology and Technology. Her research interests include media representation of women, experiences of journalists, and media literacy.