question archive "Mass media ethics code cannot anticipate all moral questions
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"Mass media ethics code cannot anticipate all moral
questions."
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It is the responsibility of mass media to cover information in a manner that is morally accepted . This is easy as much as it is difficult since what is moral keeps on changing. Technological evolution, cultural shifts and globalization keep on changing what is moral. Therefore ,Mass media code of ethics cannot anticipate all moral questions, no matter how much the codes expands its wings; There are some questions it just cannot answer.
For example, the code of ethics cannot answer questions on privacy, online journalism and right language to cover violence and sexual misconduct.
Step-by-step explanation
It is the responsibility of mass media to cover information in a manner that is morally accepted . This is easy as much as it is difficult, since what is moral keeps on changing- Technological evolution, cultural shifts and globalization keep on changing what is moral. Therefore , mass media code of ethics cannot anticipate all moral questions, no matter how much the codes expands its wings; There are some questions it just cannot answer.
For example, the question of privacy. As much as the code of ethics demand that enough information should be dispensed in a manner that lets the public judge for itself, the question of how much information should be dispensed is elusive. This is because people have rights to privacy too. Publication is, therefore, not allowed just because it is needed. The paparazzi crosses the moral bridge by releasing some information, even when that extra detail is what is needed to seal gaps in previous information.
Second, the code of ethics cannot answer the question of verification of online news. In the 21st century, there has been a surge of online journalists who dispense material that has not been verified. Most of online journalists depend on mutual agreement between them and the party involved. For example, a journalist who captures a photo of a woman being physically abused by a man may rely on the agreement between him and the woman to release the photo. However, the story behind the photo could be different. Unfortunately, since their is nobody to verify the truth of the information given, the public embraces what is given to them. Morality on this kind of journalism therefore cannot be verified.
Lastly, ethics cannot answer what language is good to describe violence and sexual misconduct. While ethics condemn use of strong language, there are a few words that can paint the clear picture of violence and sexual misconduct, yet bringing out the clear message intended.