Mass Communication Laws and Ethics-MCM610

Department of Mass Communication

Virtual University of Pakistan FALL 2023
Assignment#1 By-Pin✌️.
Lesson: The Ethical Problems
(Lesson 8)
Meet Wajid, a dedicated journalist working for a respected newspaper, "The News." One
day, Wajid is assigned to cover
a breaking news story about a high-ranking government official involved in a corruption
scandal. The story could expose
the truth and hold those in power accountable, but it's also surrounded by internal and
external pressures that create a
moral dilemma for Wajid.
Task:
(5+5+5)
1. Explore the internal pressures Wajid faces within the newsroom, such as the desire to
break a big story and
maintain a strong reputation.
2. Examine the external pressures, including potential government interference, legal
threats, and concerns about
reader backlash.
3. Discuss how these pressures create an ethical dilemma for Wajid and the impact of
these factors on responsible
journalism.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will analyze internal pressures on Wajid, a journalist, balancing the desire for
a significant story with
maintaining reputation.
2. Examine external pressures, including government interference and legal threats,
faced by Wajid in reporting a
breaking news story.
3. Discuss the ethical dilemma created by internal and external pressures on Wajid,
evaluating their impact on
responsible journalism.

Ans:1. Internal Pressures:

Wajid, as a dedicated journalist, faces internal pressures within "The News"
newsroom. The desire to break a substantial story is driven by professional
ambition and the need to maintain a strong reputation in the competitive field of
 journalism. The pursuit of impactful stories is integral to building a journalist's
career and securing the newspaper's standing in the industry.

2. External Pressures:
External pressures on Wajid involve the potential for government interference,
legal threats, and concerns about reader backlash. The high-ranking government
official's involvement in a corruption scandal may trigger efforts to suppress the
story, either through direct intervention or legal maneuvers. Fear of retaliation and
backlash from readers, especially if the story challenges their political beliefs,
adds another layer of external pressure

3. Ethical Dilemma and Impact on Responsible Journalism:

These internal and external pressures create a profound ethical dilemma for
Wajid. On one hand, there's a duty to expose the truth, hold those in power
accountable, and fulfill the societal role of journalism. On the other hand, there's
the risk of compromising journalistic integrity, facing legal consequences, and
jeopardizing the newspaper's reputation. The ethical decision involves weighing
the public's right to know against potential harm and ensuring responsible
reporting that adheres to ethical standards. The impact on responsible journalism
lies in Wajid's ability to navigate these pressures while upholding the principles of
truth, accuracy, and accountability in reporting.