In ethical journalism practices, who really makes the ‘call’?

“…public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.”

- Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics

In light of the recent news regarding the Brett Favre “sexting” scandal, journalists have once again been forced to consider the value of ethics in public relations….or have they?

It seems to be more apparent that journalists and public relations professionals are continuously “pushing” what is considered moral behavior in order to get their stories and reach their objectives. It may be important to stop and ask the question, ‘How far is too far?’ Does it really matter if we cross boundaries that are unwritten or unclear?

We all know that ethical behavior is the “right” thing to do. However, in today’s media world, where boundaries are often vague or nonexistent, who determines which methods and practices are ethical and which are not? Some argue that organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalism and the American Journalism Review to make the calls as to what defines ethical behavior and practices. There are some widely accepted rules and basics to ethical practices, as outlined in Society of Professional Journalists' (SPJ) Code of Ethics.

Yet no matter how much and to what extent ethical behavior is outlined by textbooks and professional organizations, there will always be situations which require a personal, moral level of ethical decision making, leaving the real power in the hands of individual journalists and reporters. Not only is it the responsibility of each media professional to practice ethical reporting on a broad scale for legal purposes, but also to commit themselves to the free flow of unbiased information by means of moral and principled information-seeking tactics.

What then can be done to combat unethical reporting? Journalist Jonathan Bernstein outlines an appropriate method to respond to breaches of ethical behaviors. By responding to and calling out journalists who may have violated the rules of ethical practices, we can promote a safe, confidential, and free-flowing source of quality information to our publics.

Kate Sherwood

University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment 

Why live blogging encourages youth to stay informed

Mid-term elections had us searching through debates, blogs, and articles in attempt to inform ourselves on this year’s current issues and candidates. Through my own investigations online I stumbled upon CNN’s iReport, an interactive or “live” blog where CNN’s audience has a chance to take part in the news. iReport is like any quintessential news blog, but with a twist. Posts by CNN staff are combined with unedited photos, videos, and quotes from people all over the country who want to share their stories about what is important to them.

What especially caught my eye was the number of posts from the 18-25 age range.

All over the country young voters, sent in photos of their “I Voted” stickers while others shared their excitement at being a first time voter. Many students wrote about how they voted, why they voted, and what was most important in this year’s race. Even underage high school students got involved by sharing their opinions and stories.

For a demographic that is notorious for their inactivity at the polls, I found this very intriguing.

This demographic is especially crucial in elections. If we want to get our youth involved (and keep them involved) with politics and current issues, this is the way to do it.

Being a student in the 18-25 age range myself, I can vouch for the fact that growing up with technology has lead us to become internet addicts, heavily relying on it as an information source. I believe however, that live blogging such as iReport has many notable benefits.

We are already online, so why not encourage and connect will us in a way we relate to?

Live blogging rids one-way communication with its audience and creates a forum for conversation. By reaching out to their audience, it encourages youth to stay active in current events, relate news to what is going on around them, and to express their own opinions.

It also allows the audience to comment on the news, saying what they think is important and what they would like to see from CNN.

The multi-media nature of this blog allows the audience to see first hand what is going on and what people have to say about it.

What better way to get people active and excited about the election then by literally showing people’s excitement and activity at the polls?

And during larger events, elections in particular, you want people talking.

It also provides tremendous value for the network itself. When people feel more engaged, they are more likely to read that networks news and receive their message. The two-way communication they have built also allows them to receive feedback on the stories they are covering and tips on what they could cover.

If live blogging is getting people excited and talking, I say it’s a step in a positive direction.

Caitlin Jagodzinski
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment

Does every vote count?

Every election year television programs are filled with ridiculous campaign ads that are more hurtful than helpful for the candidate endorsing them. We have commercials telling us that a vote for one candidate is a vote for approving drinking and driving.  We have another candidate telling us “I am not a witch” , and what’s that help us? With obscure impressions of candidates and wild accusations, what exactly are citizens supposed to vote for?

Personally, I feel that election candidates need to reassess the image they are giving themselves by attempting to belittle their opponents. It makes me wonder who is in charge of the PR department of their campaign. Not all publicity is good publicity. These outlandish commercials are not sending the right messages or images. The public is interested in the more important things such as how candidates are going to help the community. People want to know what these candidates are going to do for us, not what foolish or crazy things their opponents have done.

As a college student, I keep getting told “you need to vote, every vote counts and you can make a difference”. Which brings me to the main question, does every vote really count? Most of us, not only college students, really do not know who we are voting for. Yes, there are those who are actually interested in politics and government and want their voices heard in the polls, but what about the rest? Should people even vote if their choices are based on who is better looking, who has a better family background, or who is or is not a witch? Maybe people would be more inclined to pick up a pencil and mark a ballot if they knew what they were voting for.

Michelia Pham

University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment