Journalistic ethics are vital

Before cranking up my computer I start each morning with coffee and a newspaper. That’s not because I’m old fashioned. It’s because there are two reasons I’m assured that the paper’s presenting truthful information.

First, journalists and credible publications strictly adhere to a code of ethics. Second, before publication, articles pass through an editor. If something’s amiss the editor will make corrections or not allow printing. That’s not the case with much material posted on social media. It rarely has editorial oversight and writers are unconstrained by journalistic ethics.

Journalistic ethics include truthfulness, accuracy, fact based information, independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, respect for others, and public accountability. College journalism professors stress ethics with students, and all credible news outlets, print or electronic, adhere to them. Opinion is strictly limited to the editorial section.

I have personal experience. I once chaired the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s ethics committee. Fortunately there were few ethical complaints but two were egregious. After thorough investigation my committee recommended to the board of directors that a communicator be expelled for misleading his readers. The board took this action, jeopardizing the career of the culprit but maintaining the credibility of the organization and the importance of ethical reporting.

Journalists rely on information sources to create a news story. Ethical journalists ensure that their sources are credible as they gather information. They quote credentialed people who may be researchers, physicians, mayors, school administrators or others who have proven expertise in their field. Usually sources can be named although there are circumstances when a credible source’s position or safety may be compromised if a writer specifically identifies the person. In these cases, as long as the reporter and publication are assured of accuracy, the source's identity is protected.

Social media operates differently. If editors exist they’re rare and likely toothless. Anyone can post anything without backing up their statements with a credible source. It enables opinion to seem like fact. Others read, assume accuracy, and repeat what may be untrue or slanted. Falsehoods rapidly escalate.

Unless an online blogger or speaker provides credible source information to back up claims, I take them with a grain of salt. So should everyone. The same goes for some seemingly objective major news sources who present blatantly and obviously slanted content.

Since The Gazette, and many other news organizations, adhere to journalism’s ethics code I can read my morning paper without a salt shaker nearby.

Rich Patterson has been a freelance writer since 1971. He chaired the Outdoor Writers Association of America Ethics Committee for three years.