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Ethical Codes in Professions: Defining Standards and Best Practices

This comprehensive discussion explores the importance of ethical codes in professions such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and journalists. It covers the significance of enforcing sanctions for violations, including loss of license, and debates whether journalism can be considered a profession without infringing on the First Amendment. The rise of professionalism in journalism, exemplified by figures like Adolph Ochs and Joseph Pulitzer, is also analyzed alongside the development and revisions of journalistic ethical canons over the years. Case studies and discussions shed light on the challenges faced by professionals in upholding ethical standards and maintaining objectivity. Additionally, it delves into the adoption of ethical codes like the SPJ Code of Ethics, emphasizing the core principles of seeking truth, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable.

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Ethical Codes in Professions: Defining Standards and Best Practices

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  1. Codes of ethics Defining and describingstandards and best practices

  2. Professions with ethical codes

  3. Professions with ethical codes • Doctors

  4. Professions with ethical codes • Doctors • Lawyers

  5. Professions with ethical codes • Doctors • Lawyers • Engineers, etc.

  6. Sanctions for violations • Loss of license

  7. Sanctions for violations • Loss of license • What is to stop someone from setting up practice without a license?

  8. Sanctions for violations • Loss of license • What is to stop someone from setting up practice without a license? • Government enforcement

  9. The great debate • Is journalism a profession?

  10. The great debate • Is journalism a profession? • Can it be a profession without violating the First Amendment?

  11. The great debate • Is journalism a profession? • Can it be a profession without violating the First Amendment? • Can we have a binding code of ethics?

  12. The rise of professionalism • Adolph Ochs and the New York Times

  13. The rise of professionalism • Adolph Ochs and the New York Times • Joseph Pulitzer (right) seeks a legacy

  14. The rise of professionalism • Adolph Ochs and the New York Times • Joseph Pulitzer (right) seeks a legacy • Sigma Delta Chi founded in 1909

  15. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Developed by the American Society of Newspaper Editors • Revised in 1975, now called the “Statement of Principles”

  16. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility

  17. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility • Article 2: Freedom of the press

  18. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility • Article 2: Freedom of the press • Article 3: Independence

  19. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility • Article 2: Freedom of the press • Article 3: Independence • Article 4: Truth and accuracy

  20. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility • Article 2: Freedom of the press • Article 3: Independence • Article 4: Truth and accuracy • Article 5: Impartiality

  21. “Canons of Journalism” (1922) • Article 1: Responsibility • Article 2: Freedom of the press • Article 3: Independence • Article 4: Truth and accuracy • Article 5: Impartiality • Article 6: Fair play

  22. Discussion • Where is objectivity?

  23. Discussion • Where is objectivity? • If the code isn’t binding, what good is it?

  24. Discussion • Where is objectivity? • If the code isn’t binding, what good is it? • If the code is common sense, why have there been so many scandals?

  25. SPJ Code of Ethics • Borrowed from ASNE in 1926 • Current code adopted in 1996 • Four broad areas

  26. SPJ Code of Ethics • Borrowed from ASNE in 1926 • Current code adopted in 1996 • Four broad areas • Seek Truth and Report It

  27. SPJ Code of Ethics • Borrowed from ASNE in 1926 • Current code adopted in 1996 • Four broad areas • Seek Truth and Report It • Minimize Harm

  28. SPJ Code of Ethics • Borrowed from ASNE in 1926 • Current code adopted in 1996 • Four broad areas • Seek Truth and Report It • Minimize Harm • Act Independently

  29. SPJ Code of Ethics • Borrowed from ASNE in 1926 • Current code adopted in 1996 • Four broad areas • Seek Truth and Report It • Minimize Harm • Act Independently • Be Accountable

  30. Case study: The Big Dig • Globe had memo warning of safety problems • Couldn’t reach contractor for comment • Memo turned out to be a likely forgery

  31. Case study: The Big Dig • Should contractor have been given more time to respond?

  32. Case study: The Big Dig • Should contractor have been given more time to respond? • Would it have mattered?

  33. Case study: The Big Dig • Should contractor have been given more time to respond? • Would it have mattered? • How long can you wait on a breaking story?

  34. Journalists and politics (I) Armstrong Williams and Maggie Gallagher

  35. Journalists and politics (II) • MSNBC.com reported on scores of journalists making political donations • Many media outlets do not prohibit donations, despite codes of ethics • Rosenstiel: Opinion journalists should be treated the same as news reporters

  36. What does the public think? • 34 percent: No way • 30 percent: No problem • 37 percent: No problem as long as there’s disclosure

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