Ethics of Journalism

"In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first and getting it right."

ELLEN GOODMAN, Boston Globe, 1993

There is undoubtedly a code of ethics in the field of journalism.  While many people want to believe that journalists are dishonest people who just want to "stir the pot," most journalists try to do their job the best they can.  To do their jobs well, each journalist or company has their own "code of ethics."  This could include a variety of things, depending on the job.  Because this is such an important part of journalism, I decided to write my own "Journalism Code of Ethics." 

1. Seek Truth and Report It
2. Do not deceive
- Be honest
- Do not assume
- Do not twist the truth, or the false
- Be clear about intentions
3. Respect sources
- Do not mock or belittle a source
- Do not betray an anonymous source
- Do not discredit a source without cause
4. Protect those who cannot protect themselves
- Find the truth for those who cannot do it themselves
- Includes, children, elderly, sources, the common people, etc.
5. Be humble
- Be willing to be wrong
- Accept a story may change with new facts 
- Be willing to apologize