Credibility[1][]
To report news, one must maintain their credibility. This means reporting accurately with brevity and clarity. They work in the interest of the public and not for special interests or treatment.
According to Media Ethics, to be credible, a journalist must have:
- A sense of responsibility to society
- Decency, honesty and truth
- Avoidance of misrepresentation and deception
- A sense of fair competition
- The protection and promotion of reputation of advertising industry
Values in Journalism[]
Journalism values ties directly with media ethics. These values ensure the credibility of a journalist. According to the Society of Professional Journalists[2], there are four main codes of ethics:
- Seek Truth and Report It
- Minimize Harm
- Act Independently
- Be Accountable and Transparent
Seeking Truth and Report It[]
Under this, journalists should "tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so." They should also "support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant."
Minimize Harm[]
Under this, journalists should "recognize gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort," and they should "be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief." They should also remember "pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance."
Act Independently[]
Under this, journalists should "remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility" and "deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage."
Be Accountable[]
Under this, journalists should "clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct" and "abide by the same high standards to which they hold others."