It’s a rainy weekday, and the general American public stands huddled together underneath black umbrellas. Old ladies cry into their handkerchiefs, children cling to their mothers and the men stare off into the distance. The final words are spoken, the casket is lowered and the grave diggers begin to shovel the dirt. As the people begin to file away, it is easier to read the headstone. “Honest Journalism is dead, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
I’m only joking, but doesn’t that scare you? If it doesn’t it should. Honest journalism may not be dead but it’s certainly on its way, and fortunately, there is something that we can do about it- demand that it return.
Print journalism has taken a backseat to the world of online news. Apps and social media have made news posting and sharing easier and easier, allowing us to share a story seconds after it’s been posted. But how much of what we are reading is true, unbiased, factual news? In today’s world, journalism is one huge game of telephone. All of the facts aren’t shown, or they are written in a way that makes them easily misconstrued. Take the “Ben Carson Lie” scandal for example; the popular, but not always unbiased, political website POLITICO reported that Dr. Carson lied about receiving a scholarship to the West Point academy. If you were to read Dr. Carson’s memoir you would have known that he was offered a scholarship, but in the end he declined the offer. There is a huge difference in the words received and offered, but because many American’s,unfortunately, take things at face value it gets spread incorrectly. We trust our reporters to tell us the truth and unlike the game of telephone, it’s not funny when the wrongs things are said at the end.
Half of the problem is that as a whole our countries priorities are out of sync. We spend too much time on frivolous topics like the Starbucks red cup, Bruce “Caitlyn” Jenner, pictures of a blood moon etc. and less time on topics that are more pressing. More people could tell you about the Kardashians than they could about our countries huge debt. More people could tell you the roster of their favorite football team but don’t know half of the people running for president. It’s time that we take a step back and reevaluate what is important to us as Americans.
Stories spread like wildfire due to ease of sharing news of the internet, this is a problem because not all news sites are credible. Just like our teachers in high school tried to warn us about Wikipedia, check your sources to make sure they are credible. Take the time to investigate other sides of the story, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. As an American citizen aren’t you entitled to the full story? The First Amendment “freedom of speech” doesn’t mean reporters can just tell you whatever they want.
As a journalist, it’s unethical to report incorrect news stories. According to the Society of Professional Journalists, they declare four principles as the foundation for ethical journalism. These principles are “Seek truth and Report it”, “Minimize harm”, “Act independently”, and “Be accountable and transparent.” Here are a few examples of each :
Seek Truth and Report it
– Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
– Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story.
– Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.
– Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.
Minimize Harm
– Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
– Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and complete information as appropriate.
Act Independently
– Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
– Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.
– Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage.
Be Accountable and Transparent.
– Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.
– Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations.
– Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.
How many journalists today can honestly admit to abiding by these conducts? It is scary to think that there are people in high places, who we trust to tell us the most important information, that are lying to us or think that they know what’s best for us. Aren’t we smart enough to make judgments on our own? Shouldn’t we be given the chance to think with our own minds? Why are we letting news networks and websites do the thinking for us? It is the duty of today’s journalist to report to the people the truth- the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
