Code of Ethics

The definition of ethics is simple, it is about whether something is right or wrong. In class the group that presented said "ethics is a branch of philosophy that covers a whole family of things that have a real importance in everyday life." I really like this statement because it says ethics applies to life daily, which is absolutely true. The decision of whether to steal something or to even cut off someone on the road is all about your ethical views. Also, making moral choices is very opinionated. Someone who grew up in a stable home may think stealing food is unethical while someone who is homeless and struggling to stay alive may think it is necessary. What is the right thing to do? What is good and what is bad?

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95hRCbX4Dn0)

In journalism, ethics is so important. Many find it unethical to harass and bother families of people whose child was a victim in a mass murder or families of convicted felons while journalists thrive off of these interactions. Is it okay to bother somebody who has just suffered a trauma to get a story? That is the question all journalists ask throughout their careers. Also, is it ethical to insert your own thoughts and feelings in a story? As a journalists it is important to never show bias for a specific side because then your story and words become slanted and not credible. I watched this video in class and I could not pass up the opportunity to show how incredibly wrong it is to be biased and rude to people who may not agree with your views. Susan Roesgen became the   poster child for unethical reporting ever since this report aired. "Ethics produces some of the most passionate arguments that take place in Congress, church, family and school."It can pinpoint disagreements but it doesn't always provide people with the answers or help they want. Society of Professional Journalists has a site that provides their code of ethics. ( http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp) The main points I got from it was to just seek the truth and report it. If every journalists did that maybe the audience would trust them more?