Good journalism involves reporting that is truthful, factual, and free from bias. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public about matters which concern the wider population.
The Journalism Code of Conduct has been in place in the UK since 1936. It contains many pointers for ethical practice, including the requirement for journalists to distinguish clearly between fact and opinion. However, despite ethical and responsible journalism practice being one of the first skills taught, the media has frequently come under fire because of reporting that has blurred the lines between acceptable and unacceptable journalism.
Accusations
Journalists have recently come under fire and faced damning criticism that their articles are being used to bully celebrities.
Among the stories highlighted were ones that seemed to include content where celebrities’ appearance or physical characteristics were heavily criticised and critiqued by the journalists who composed the story. Celebrities have argued that certain comments, related to things such as their weight, age or physical appearance, are completely unacceptable, unnecessary, and are, in fact, a source of bullying.
This highlights both the pressures and the scrutiny that people in the public eye face on a daily basis and also how shaming popular figures based on physical appearance can be a source of anxiety for the many youngsters who have access to these public comments. In an era where responsible journalism is key, journalists are being encouraged to focus on reporting the facts, as well as being held accountable for the information that they release to the public.
Journalism Training
Good education is key to raising standards across the board within journalism. Journalism courses such as the degree offered by schoolofjournalism.co.uk/ contain many modules, including ethical practice and media law.
Shaping students to become ethical and responsible in their practice is the basis for all outlets of journalism, regardless of the specialty or area in which the students go on to work. Good journalism enhances both the local and global community and should not seek to promote distress or negativity in any subject.