The Competitive Nature of Journalists

I believe that Journalists who drop their ethical standards to obtain the story that another competing journalist might obtain if they do not, is not worth the risk of jeopardizing their moral values. “If the nonethical value – getting a story of questionable merit – is chosen over an ethical value, at least the decision makers should admit that they have sacrificed journalistic principle to competitive instinct. Nor should the decision makers take solace from the likelihood that competitors will publish the story if they do not. Such a rationalization also should be recognized for what it is: sinking to the level of one’s least ethical competitor” (Foreman).

The Society of Professional Journalists contains a “Code of Ethics” that journalists are to abide by; which have specific points under a few main points which include; Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, and Be Accountable. Under the column, “Seek Truth and Report It,” I found a few sub-points that I believe some Journalists do not always follow. The very first point states “Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible” (Society of Professional Journalists). In today’s fast paced world I would question whether all Journalists fully test the accuracy of information from all of their sources. Under the column, “Minimize Harm” there is another sub-point that I do not believe is taken to the heart of every Journalist, which is, “Recognize that gathering and reporting of information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance” (Society of Professional Journalists). I greatly believe that the pride and overconfidence of reporters can have a huge effect on their judgment.

Ethical standards and moral integrity should be at the top of every reporters list, especially when it comes to questioning, interviewing and finding the details of every story. The competitive nature of reporters should never jeopardize their ethical standings and moral beliefs.