Ethics for Journalists critically explores many of the dilemmas that journalists face in their work and supports journalists in good ethical decision-making. From building trust, to combatting disinformation, to minimizing harm to vulnerable people through responsible suicide reporting, this book provides substantial analysis of key contemporary ethical debates and offers guidance on how to address them.
Revised and updated throughout, this third edition covers:
- the influence of press freedom and misinformation on trust
- the novel ethical challenges presented by social media
- the need for diversity of sources and in the newsroom, specifically relating to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability
- issues around vulnerable people—reporting traumatic events, bereaved people, suicide and privacy
- health journalism and reporting a pandemic; and
- the impact of regulation on professional standards
Taking an accessible and engaging approach, including expert reflections on personal and professional experience, Ethics for Journalists provides a wealth of insight for those in journalism, from students and trainees to specialist correspondents and experienced editors.
Introduction: Core principles of ethical journalism
Sallyanne Duncan
- Trust, information disorder and freedom of expression: Influences on ethical journalism
- Regulating the mainstream media: Who guards the guardians?
- Journalists and social media: Entering an ‘ethical vacuum’
- Sources: The lifeblood of journalism
- Privacy and intrusion: Navigating the muddy waters of conflicting rights
- Covering death and trauma: Focus on compassion and respect
- Reporting suicide responsibly: A force for good
- Diversity in the news: Seeking fair representation and inclusivity
- The ethics of health journalism: Reporting a pandemic
- Battling for news: Reporting war and conflict
Sallyanne Duncan
Sallyanne Duncan
Ethics in Action: Aidan White, founder of the Ethical Journalism Network
Frances Yeoman
Ethics in action: Jim Waterson, media editor of The Guardian
Jackie Newton
Ethics in action: Gerard Ryle, director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
Sallyanne Duncan, with additional research by Anna Bryan
Ethics in action: Joshua King, head of digital engagement and development at the Scotsman
Sallyanne Duncan
Ethics in action: Jo Healey, journalist, author and founder of Trauma Reporting training
Sallyanne Duncan
Ethics in action: Gordon Allan, who was bereaved by suicide
Sallyanne Duncan
Ethics in action: Barnie Choudhury, editor-at-large of Eastern Eye
Petya Eckler and Ozan B. Mantar
Ethics in action: Helen McArdle, health correspondent at The Herald
Richard Lance Keeble
Ethics in action: Lara Pawson, former BBC World Service correspondent
Biography
Sallyanne Duncan was a senior lecturer in journalism/journalism ethics at the University of Strathclyde, and a former regional newspaper journalist.
