Mass Communications Ethics

1
Mass Communications Ethics

• Mass Communications in Society
• Communications 233

2
The Golden Rule

• Do unto others as you would have them do unto
  you.
• As seen in various faiths

3
Issues in mass comm ethics

• Truthfulness
• Honesty
• Commitment to a common standard of practice
• Codes
• Morality

4
Ethics in Practice (Journalism)

• Sensationalism
• Invasion of Privacy
• Negative Emphasis
• Accuracy
• Jeopardizing Fair Trials

5
Ethics in Practice (Advertising)

• Manipulation of vulnerable audiences
• Offensive products
• Misrepresentation
• Harmful products
• Honesty
• Lack of substance

6
Ethics in Practice (Public Relations)

• Inside Information
• Pleasing a client at any cost
• Altering the news
• Deception

7
Ethics in Practice (TV/Film)

• Glorifying sex/violence
• Lack of substance
• Influence on children
• Stereotyping

8
Mass Comm Responses

• Codes
• Professional Societies
• Certification/licensing
• Consumer Involvement
• Industry Responsibility

9
Ted Smythes Go to Hell Fund

• One day you will be tested
• You should prepare for that day . . . save money.
• When you are asked to violate your code of ethics
  . . .
• . . . just tell them to Go to Hell.