User:Lplatt/sandbox

journalism ethics

Internationally recognized journalists and scholar Steven J. A. Ward defines journalism ethics as the responsible use of freedom of speech. The ethics of online journalism holds great importance to the authenticity and credibility of reported literature although it can be difficult to gauge a set standard because of differences in national and international cultural values. In this current digital climate with multiple new technologies and broad availability of information, Journalists have less ascendancy over what is considered important news. Online journalists must now assist consumers make sense of it all.

Common difficulties to online journalism include Plagiarism, digital manipulation, and the use of anonymous sources. In addition the ethics in question are not only limited to the action of reporters, but the decisions organizations and outlets that release information. Questions emerge on the ethical responsibilities of organizations to the public such as whether it is unethical for stories to be reported expediently to get the better of competition rather than taking time to receive the full story.