In the first chapter of her book, Helen Thomas points out the many instances throughout history where journalists have lied, plagiarized, and tarnished the image and credibility of journalism. Yet Thomas maintains that Journalism is an honorable profession. The three main principles of the code of ethics: Seeking truth and reporting it, Minimizing harm, and Acting independently are high ideals. I believe there is honor in following these principles. When journalists follow these standards, journalism is a very honorable profession. However, when journalists lie, fabricate stories, or hide the truth for money, how hideous their acts appear next to the code of ethics they have disregarded.
On Wed. I went and saw Seymour Hersh speak. Coincidentally, he spoke on the same topic. Hersh said that early on American journalism failed in reporting the truth about the war on terror and George W. Bush, but he feels that the improvement of our journalism is the one way we can hold leadership to a higher standard. Hersh said that he felt that by being a journalist he has served the country as much as someone in the military.
It is a difficult task to seek the truth and report it. The truth is a powerful thing. It can cause fear, shame, even death. It can also bring happiness,pride, and it can even save someone's life.It is inspiring to know that by seeking the truth and reporting it honestly a journalist can help society be free.
One time when my dad was punishing me for some reason, he said,"You can get a thousand Atta-boys. But one Aw-shit wipes them all out."
They same goes for journalists. One little fabrication can ruin a journalist's credibility in the eye of the public. It doesn't matter how much the journalist changes; once the public loses their trust in someone it is gone forever. Bye-bye.
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Hey nate-
In regards to your question about the "". I was ommitting his name as I typed because I didn't have the information in front of me. The name of the man was Clay Mosher. When I am typing I like to flow and keep going. If I get hung up on a word or a name or a fact I'll put into the writng a little sign to remind me to come back to it and finish the thought. This hjelps me continue with the task at hand.
Your observations about ethics are interesting. We do live in an interesting era where we are witnessing breakdowns in fundamental aspects of democracy. It will become our responsability to regain the public trust. You, me and everyone we work with from these days forward should hold each other accountable.
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