School Of Journalism And Commuinication

Broadcast Journalism Unit

Course; Introduction To Journalism
Group memebers
1. Mahlet Amare………………………………………………… UGR/1738/15
2. Mahlet Tsega……………………………..……………………UGR/8436/15
3. Tsion Getachew…………………………………………….….UGR/7604/15
4. Amanuel Mesfin……………………………………………….UGR/6314/15
5. Tolasa Shigut…………………………………………………..UGR/6429/13
6. Dedefo Burka………………………………………….………UGR/3535/14
7. Tokuma Bayisa……………………………………………..….UGR/8116/15

Submited To; Instructor Bizuayehu Abiy

Submission Date; Feb, 12 2024

Table of Contents
1.Journalism ethics..........................................................................................................................3

1.1The historical overview or how has journalism ethics developed overtime...........................3

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 1.2How has the rise of new media impacted journalism ethics?.................................................7

2. Two Media Normative Theories................................................................................................12

3.Reference....................................................................................................................................16

1. Journalism ethics

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Journalistic ethics and standards comprise principles of ethics and good practice applicable to
journalists. This subset of media ethics is known as journalism's professional "code of ethics"
and the "canons of journalism". The basic codes and canons commonly appear in statements by
professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and online news
organizations.There are around 400 codes covering journalistic work around the world. While
various codes may differ in the detail of their content and come from different cultural traditions,
most share common elements including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy and fact-based
communications, independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, respect for others and public
accountability, as these apply to the gathering, editing and dissemination of newsworthy
information to the public.

Some journalistic codes of ethics, notably some European codes, also include a concern with
discriminatory references in news based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or
mental disabilities. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved (in 1993)
Resolution 1003 on the Ethics of Journalism, which recommends that journalists respect the
presumption of innocence, in particular in cases that are still sub judice.

1.1The historical overview or how has journalism ethics developed overtime

As governments tried to censor and control the press in the 18th century, libel and sedition laws
were the main topics of discussion when it came to journalism ethics.

The existence of libel and sedition laws in the 18th century presented serious difficulties for
journalism ethics since these laws were employed by governments to censor and control the
press.
Governments were leery of the press's ability to shape public opinion and possibly undermine
their authority at this time. They consequently passed legislation with the intention of controlling
and preventing the spread of material that might be interpreted as seditious or defamatory. Libel
laws were designed to shield people from defamatory and harmful remarks made by the media.
A journalist or newspaper could be sued for libel if they published something that damaged
someone's reputation. These laws were designed to give people who were unfairly targeted legal
redress and to make sure that the press was held responsible for the veracity of their reporting.

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Conversely, sedition laws were designed expressly to suppress dissent and stop the dissemination
of ideas that were critical of the state. These laws forbade publishing or speaking out against the
government, and those found guilty of sedition often faced harsh punishments. These laws were
employed by governments as a tool to quell political opposition and preserve authority. Press
freedom and the ability to report on public interest stories without undue interference were
threatened by the early press's intense pressure to operate within the bounds of these legal
restrictions. Discussions about the ethics of journalism and the significance of a free and
unrestricted press in democratic societies have been ongoing since the fight for journalistic
freedom and the conflict between government control and press independence.
Independence and Objectivity

The idea of journalistic objectivity first appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The
idea of journalistic objectivity gained significance in journalism ethics in the late 19th and early
20th centuries. During this time, journalists made sure that their reporting was supported by facts
rather than their personal opinions or viewpoints and that they reported the facts objectively. The
press's increasing power and its function as the public's information source led to the rise of
objectivity in journalism. As the press gained popularity, it was understood that reporters had an
obligation to report facts fairly and objectively so that readers could make decisions based on
reliable information.

When reporting, journalists were expected to set aside their personal biases and beliefs in order
to maintain objectivity. By delivering factual information free of personal bias, they aimed to
offer a fair and impartial assessment of the situation. This strategy sought to guarantee that
readers could rely on the data provided and make wise decisions based on trustworthy reporting.
During this time, autonomy from commercial and political pressure also emerged as a critical
component of journalistic ethics. Journalists understood how critical it was to preserve their
independence from outside forces that might jeopardize their objectivity. They tried to stay away
from conflicts of interest that might influence their reporting in favor of particular people or
groups, like accepting bribes or favors

 Professionalism

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 The 20th century saw the beginning of the professionalization of journalism. The American
Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) are two
examples of organizations that have developed codes of ethics that place a strong emphasis on
truthfulness, equity, and responsibility.

The process of professionalization included the creation of codified codes of ethics that outlined
the values and standards that reporters were expected to uphold. These codes highlighted
important principles like responsibility, equity, and correctness. It was expected of journalists to
follow these moral guidelines when reporting and making decisions. During this time,
accountability evolved into a fundamental aspect of professional journalism. It was expected of
journalists to accept accountability for their work and fix mistakes right away. They were urged
to disclose all relevant information, including their sources, procedures, and any potential
conflicts of interest. Accountability promoted a sense of duty among journalists to act in the
public's best interests and helped to preserve public confidence in journalism. The field's
growing awareness of ethical issues is a result of journalism's professionalization. Instead of just
being news providers, journalists were urged to see themselves as professionals with a social
responsibility. This change served as a reminder of the value of making moral decisions and the
necessity of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity

 Critical Journalism

Investigative reporting and a more critical view of power structures characterized journalism in
the 1960s and 1970s. Renowned journalists who gained prominence for their coverage of the
Watergate crisis were Woodward and Bernstein. There was a notable shift in journalism during
the 1960s and 1970s towards critical journalism, which was defined by a more inquisitive and
critical approach to reporting. Journalists were more inclined during this time to question
preexisting power structures and demand accountability from those in positions of authority.
Numerous factors contributed to the growth of critical journalism. The 1960s brought about a
climate of questioning and dissent due to the civil rights movement, anti-war demonstrations,
and social upheaval. There was a growing sense among journalists that their job was not just to
report events, but also to investigate the underlying problems and power struggles. It was during
this time that investigative reporting became a popular form of critical journalism. Journalists
strove to reveal untold stories, expose wrongdoing, and reveal facts that influential organizations

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or people wanted to remain untold. They carried out in-depth investigation, interviews, and
analysis in order to uncover noteworthy tales with broad social and political ramifications.

In the 1960s and 1970s, critical journalism questioned the conventional view of journalism as an
impartial and objective observer. Journalists understood their responsibility to act as a check on
authority and worked to give voice to the disenfranchised and marginalized. They scrutinized
government actions, challenged official narratives, and brought injustices to light. During this
time, the significance of openness and the public's right to information was also emphasized
more than before. Press freedom advocates battled for information access, frequently via court
cases, in order to reveal misconduct and guarantee that the public was aware of issues of public
concern.

 Digital Age

The late 20th century saw a great deal of change brought about by the development of new
media and the internet. New media platforms appeared, journalism became more widely
available, and the field of journalism ethics encountered both opportunities and challenges. The
advent of new media technologies and the internet in the late 20th century caused a revolutionary
change in journalism. The accessibility, creation, and consumption of news have all changed
significantly as a result of the digital revolution, posing both new opportunities and challenges
for journalism ethics. An important development of the digital age has been journalism's greater
accessibility. The internet made it possible for news to spread quickly across national borders
and gave people access to global information from a variety of sources. Because of its
accessibility, journalism has a wider audience and more people are able to participate actively in
the news ecosystem. New media platforms like social media, blogs, and citizen journalism have
put professional journalists' traditional gatekeeping role in jeopardy. The distinction between
amateur and professional journalism is becoming increasingly hazy since anyone with a device
and an internet connection can now contribute to the news landscape. Although the
democratization of news allowed for the expression of many viewpoints and alternative voices, it
also raised questions regarding the validity and dependability.

In addition, new moral conundrums brought about by the digital era include those involving
privacy, data security, and online harassment. In the digital sphere, journalists had to consider
how to protect sources, handle personal information responsibly, and uphold people's right to
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privacy. They also had difficulties upholding the objectivity of their reporting in a time of false
information, fake news, and widely circulated hoaxes. Positively, new avenues for audience
engagement and transparency were made possible by the digital era. Social media allowed
journalists to engage directly with readers, encouraging a culture of more participatory
journalism. Because a larger audience could examine and verify the accuracy of their work,
journalists were also held more responsible to their readers and viewers as a result of the
increased transparency.

1.2How has the rise of new media impacted journalism ethics?

 Accuracy and Speed

With the rise of new media platforms like social media and online news websites, journalists are
under more pressure to deliver news quickly. Because of this, accuracy has occasionally been
compromised. Journalists may place more importance on breaking news quickly than fact-
checking their sources. The ethics of journalism have been significantly impacted by this
emphasis on speed, especially with regard to accuracy. News is instantly shared in the digital age
on a variety of platforms, and news organizations are fighting more to be the first to break
stories. There are situations when accuracy is compromised in an attempt to be the first to report
breaking news. Journalists may not have enough time in their rush to publish stories to
thoroughly verify the information they are reporting. This may lead to mistakes, inaccurate
information, or the spread of unreliable or misleading information.

Although social media can be a useful resource for breaking news, it can also be difficult to
confirm the veracity and accuracy of information posted by users. When using social media posts
as their only source, journalists should proceed with caution and take the time to independently
verify the information. There are worries that traditional journalistic values are being
undermined due to the pressure to report stories quickly and the possibility of accuracy being
compromised. In the rush to be the first to report a story, ethical considerations like fact-
checking, verification, and responsible reporting may be neglected.

 Citizen journalism

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Through blogging, social media postings, and video sharing, new media has made it possible for
regular people to take part in the news production process. The emergence of citizen journalism
has been made possible by the introduction of new media platforms, which have made it possible
for regular people to actively participate in the news production process. Citizens can provide
viewpoints on a range of issues, report on events, and share personal experiences through blogs,
social media posts, videos, and other user-generated content. The capacity of citizen journalism
to present opposing views and cover stories that mainstream media outlets might miss is one of
its main advantages. Firsthand reports from local residents can be recorded and shared, providing
a more direct and intimate look at breaking news or regional concerns. This can question the
prevailing narratives propagated by the mainstream media and lead to a more thorough
understanding of events from various perspectives.

 Ethical Difficulties

Since new media is decentralized, it is more difficult to uphold moral principles. The prevalence
of clickbait, sensationalism, and disinformation has put the traditional journalistic values of
accuracy and truthfulness in jeopardy. The decentralized structure of new media platforms has
created serious moral dilemmas for the journalism profession.

The spread of false information is one of the main ethical problems facing the digital age. False
or misleading information has spread quickly due to the ease of sharing it online and the absence
of fact-checking and gatekeeping procedures. Misinformation has the power to sway public
opinion, affect elections, and even endanger public health and safety, all of which can have
catastrophic repercussions. The production of engagement and income is frequently given
precedence over the provision of factual and in-depth news content in clickbait. This may cause
priorities to become distorted, with the emphasis moving from producing high-quality journalism
to getting as many clicks and views as possible. Instead of giving in to the allure of clickbait,
journalists should focus on providing their readers with accurate, responsible, and educational
news.

Another moral conundrum made worse by the decentralized structure of new media is
sensationalism. Exaggerated or deceptive language or imagery are hallmarks of sensationalized
reporting, which seeks to pique viewers' interest and elicit strong feelings. Sensationalism can
draw readers or viewers, but it can also distort the facts, oversimplify difficult subjects, and
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undermine public confidence in journalism. In order to uphold the values of truthfulness, justice,
and responsible reporting, journalists must endeavor to strike a balance between piquing the
interest of their audience and doing so.

 Transparency and Interactivity

The advent of new media has facilitated increased transparency and audience-journalist
interaction. By participating in social media conversations and leaving comments, journalists can
interact with readers and build public trust and accountability. The relationship between
journalists and audiences has been completely transformed by new media platforms, which
present fresh chances for openness and engagement. Because of this change, journalism has
benefited from increased public trust, increased engagement, and increased accountability. The
capacity of journalists to give more context and behind-the-scenes details about their reporting is
a crucial component of transparency in new media. Journalists can share insights into their
reporting process, justify their choices, and offer supplementary material that might not have
made it into the final news article by utilizing their platforms, such as personal blogs or social
media accounts. This openness aids viewers in comprehending the ethical principles, journalistic
standards, and values that guide the news they read and watch. Journalists can gain the
audience's trust by being transparent about their work and exhibiting their dedication to
truthfulness, equity, and responsible reporting.

In particular, social media platforms have been instrumental in promoting openness and
interaction in journalism. These platforms allow journalists to share their work, have discussions,
and hear what the public has to say. By enabling direct following and interaction between
journalists and news consumers on social media, the relationship between journalists and their
audiences is strengthened and the need for middlemen is diminished. It's crucial to remember
that although openness and interaction have many advantages, there are drawbacks as well.
There are a lot of comments that journalists have to sort through; some of them might be
offensive, abusive, or contain false information. They must figure out how to effectively keep
conversations civil, moderate debates, and weed out false information all the while advancing
freedom of speech and a range of opinions.

 Privacy and Consent

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Journalists have never had such easy access to a wealth of publicly accessible data thanks to the
digital sphere. Digital platforms such as social media profiles and online forums can offer
significant insights and sources for news articles. However, when gaining access to and using
this information, journalists need to use caution and follow ethical standards. They must respect
people's right to privacy and take into account the possible repercussions of using personal
information without authorization. Differentiating between public and private information is a
crucial component of consent and privacy in the digital age. When sharing information publicly
on social media or through other online channels, journalists should use caution and assess
whether the material is relevant to the story and whether publishing it will serve a legitimate
public interest.

Obtaining consent is another crucial aspect of privacy in journalism. Journalists should obtain
explicit consent from individuals before publishing personal or sensitive information, especially
when it can potentially harm their reputation, safety, or well-being. Consent should be sought not
only for the use of direct quotes or interviews but also for the publication of personal details or
images. In cases involving vulnerable individuals or sensitive topics, such as children or victims
of crime, journalists should take extra care to obtain informed consent or consider alternative
approaches to protect their privacy.

 Fake News and Disinformation

In the digital age, the quick dissemination of false information via new media platforms has
raised serious concerns and highlighted the vital role that responsible journalism plays. False
information can spread quickly and sway public opinion due to the ease with which it can be
shared online, the absence of fact-checking procedures, and the viral nature of social media.
Information that has been falsified or misrepresented and is portrayed as news is known as fake
news. Disinformation, on the other hand, refers to the deliberate dissemination of inaccurate or
misleading information with the intention of tricking or controlling the general public.
Disinformation and fake news can both have detrimental effects, eroding public confidence in
the media, warping public conversation, and even influencing political processes.

Fact-checking and verification must be given top priority in responsible journalism in order to
stop the spread of false information. When it comes to independently confirming information
before it is published or shared, journalists are essential. Investigating assertions, confirming
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sources, and cross-referencing data are all part of fact-checking to make sure the information is
accurate and trustworthy. In order to verify the accuracy of the information, journalists must use
a variety of sources, including primary sources and reliable experts.

2. Two Media Normative Theories

A. Liberal Theory
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Marketplace of Ideas: The liberal theory of media places a strong emphasis on the function of
a free press in advancing individual liberty and democratic values. It makes the case that an
atmosphere of free and open media promotes the exchange of differing viewpoints and ideas,
resulting in an informed populace.

Freedom of Expression: Liberal thinkers view the defence of this freedom as an essential
human right. They think everyone has the freedom to express their thoughts without fear of
retaliation, censorship, or interference.

Public monitoring: Liberal thought acknowledges the necessity of some level of public
monitoring even as it promotes little government involvement. It urges the creation of
independent press councils or ombudsmen and favours self-regulation within the media sector.

Press as a Watchdog: According to liberal thought, the press is an essential tool for stifling
government authority. As stewards of the public interest, journalists are expected to hold
influential organisations and governments responsible.

Liberal theory highlights a number of fundamental ideas that form the basis of its viewpoint on
the place of the press in society, especially when it comes to the media.

Among the core ideas is the "Marketplace of Ideas." Liberal thinkers contend that a democratic
society cannot function without an environment in the media that is free and open to differing
viewpoints and ideas being freely expressed and discussed. They think that via this marketplace
of ideas, people can discover the truth and make wise choices regarding their personal life and
the local government. The media promotes a lively public conversation and the active
involvement of citizens in democratic processes by giving voice to a diverse array of viewpoints.

The defence of free speech is essential to liberal philosophy. Liberal theorists contend that
people have an innate freedom to voice their thoughts free from interference, censure, or
retaliation from the state or other strong institutions. They contend that upending the status quo
and preserving an informed public are both dependent on a free press. People can express
divergent viewpoints, criticise those in authority, and advance a pluralistic and democratic
society when they have the freedom to do so.

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Liberal ideology acknowledges the necessity for some kind of public supervision even as it
promotes little government involvement in media matters. The goal of this monitoring is to
guarantee that the media behaves sensibly and ethically. Liberal theorists frequently advocate for
self-regulation in the media, where media professionals and Liberal theorists frequently
advocate for self-regulation in the media, wherein media outlets and journalists set and uphold
professional standards and conduct guidelines. They also support the creation of impartial press
councils or ombudsmen who can handle grievances, settle conflicts, and advance moral
journalism standards. These procedures give the public avenues for accountability while also
assisting in preserving public confidence in the media.

The press's function as a watchdog is another important component of liberal thought. According
to liberal theory, journalists are tasked with protecting the public interest and keeping powerful
organisations like businesses and governments accountable. They contend that in order to reveal
instances of corruption, abuses of authority, and dangers to civil liberties, there must be an
independent and critical press. According to this theory, journalists are essential in maintaining
accountability and openness in democratic institutions by serving as a check on political power.

It's crucial to remember, nevertheless, that liberal ideology does not support unrestricted, total
freedom of speech. It acknowledges that some expressions can be detrimental to other people's
rights and wellbeing, such as hate speech and incitement to violence. juggling the right to free
speech with other essential freedoms. It takes constant ethical and legal discussions within liberal
frameworks to strike a balance between the freedom of expression and other fundamental rights,
such as the right to dignity and the prohibition against discrimination.

To sum up, liberal thought places a strong emphasis on the function of a free press in advancing
individual liberty and democratic ideals. It emphasises the importance of the press as a
watchdog, public scrutiny, freedom of expression, and the marketplace of ideas in creating
informed citizens and maintaining democratic values.

B. Social Responsibility Theory

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Media Accountability: According to this theory, media organisations are accountable to the
public. Journalists are considered professionals with a responsibility to report on news that is
truthful, impartial, and balanced. Media outlets are also expected to be open and honest about the
sources and techniques they use.

Serving the Public Interest: According to this notion, the public interest should take precedence
over corporate interests or political prejudices in the media. It highlights how important it is for
the media to cover a broad range of topics, even ones that might not be profitable but are crucial
to a functional society.

Ethical Standards: The philosophy of social responsibility promotes the creation of moral
guidelines and conduct standards for the media sector. It is urged of journalists to uphold values
like truthfulness, equity, and responsibility. It is required of media companies to have procedures
in place for managing grievances and fixing mistakes.

Media Pluralism: This theory supports the idea of media pluralism, which highlights the value
of independent and various media sources. It acknowledges that a variety of views and
viewpoints must be reflected in the public domain in order for a democracy to be robust.

Normative theories provide useful frameworks for comprehending the function of the media in
society and the moral obligations of media outlets and journalists. Examples of these ideas are
liberal theory and social responsibility theory. Although the focus and methodology of both ideas
may vary, they both add to the conversation about media ethics and shape public expectations of
the media.

As was previously said, liberal ideology places a strong emphasis on the value of an open and
free media landscape, individual freedom, and the free exchange of ideas. It draws attention to
how important the press is in advancing individual liberty and democratic ideals. The media
assists the public in making educated decisions and holding those in positions of authority
responsible by offering a variety of viewpoints and encouraging public conversation. A belief in
the independence and autonomy of the media is reflected in liberal theory's emphasis on
individual rights protection and little government intrusion.

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However, the accountability and duty of the media to society is given more weight by social
responsibility theory. This theory emphasises that the media's power extends beyond individual
rights and interests and that media organizations have a commitment to serve the public interest.
Since journalists are considered professionals with a responsibility to present accurate, fair, and
balanced information, media accountability is viewed as essential. It is envisaged that ethical
norms and behaviour guidelines would be established, in addition to transparency regarding
sources and procedures.

The importance of media pluralism is also emphasised by social responsibility theory. It

acknowledges that a variety of independent media sources with a diversity of viewpoints and
views are necessary for a robust democracy. This thesis advances the notion that the public
interest should take precedence above profit or political biases in the media. It promotes media
coverage of a broad spectrum of topics, including those that are crucial for a functioning society
but might not be profitable.

These theories are not incompatible, despite the fact that they could emphasise different things.
Each of them adds insightful observations to the conversation on media ethics and
accountability. Liberal theory's focus on the free exchange of ideas and freedom of expression is
consistent with social responsibility theory's acknowledgment of the media's duty to serve the
public interest. Both theories acknowledge the value of truthful and moral reporting as well as
the necessity of accountability and openness in the media sector.

In the end, these theories impact the standards set for journalists and media organisations and
offer frameworks for assessing and criticising media practices and policies. They serve as a
reminder of the vital role the media plays in democracies and the moral obligations that go along
with it. Through careful consideration of the tenets and ideals embedded in these ideas, media
practitioners can endeavour to maintain the highest standards of journalism, foster public
dialogue, and enhance societal welfare.

3.Reference
1. https://metroresearch.org/accuracy/

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 2. The ethics of journalism
3. Accuracy and ethics; the truth in journalism
4. Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K., & Cook, J. (2017). Beyond Misinformation:
Understanding and Coping with the "Post-Truth" Era. Journal of Applied Research in
Memory and Cognition, 6(4), 353-369.
5. McQuail, D. (1992). Media Performance: Mass Communication and the Public Interest.
Sage Publications.
6. Bardoel, J., & d'Haenens, L. (2004). Media Ownership and Concentration in Europe: A
Comparative Analysis. Intellect Books.

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