Term
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Definition
| Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the moral component of life. It is the rational process of applying established principles when two moral obligations collide--the balancing of competing rights when there is no correct answer. |
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Term
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Definition
1. Stimulate the moral imagination
2. Learn to recognize ethical issues
3. Develop the analytical skills to tackle these dilemmas
4. Develop our own moral accountability
5. Learn to tolerate disagreement |
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Term
Chp. 1
Who began the study of ethics in the Western World? |
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Definition
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Term
Chp. 1
Model for ethical communication |
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Definition
| Moral Agent, Context, Motives, Act, Individual or audience, Consequence |
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Term
Chp. 1
Define: Moral agent, Context, Motives, Act, Individual or audience, Consequence |
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Definition
M.A. -> Make the decision. Usually the boss, not not always
C. -> What do you know about the issue? What are the politics of the issue?
Motives -> Who gains what from the situation?
Act -> What is the situation?
In. or A. -> Who does it affect? What is targeted?
Con. -> What exactly happens? Who gets the consequences? |
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Term
Chp. 1
What are the Principles of Moral Virtue? |
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Definition
| Credibility, Integrity, Civility |
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Term
Chp. 1
Define: Credibility, Integrity, Civility |
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Definition
Cred. -> to be believable and worthy of trust
Integrity -> Discerning what is right or wrong; acting on what you've figured out, even @ personal cost; saying openly that you are acting on your understanding of right and wrong
Cil. -> Do unto others |
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Term
Chp. 1
Values and Attitudes are the what? |
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Definition
| Building blocks of ethics |
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Term
Chp. 1
Define Values and Attitudes |
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Definition
| Are learned emotional, intellectual and behavioral responses to persons, things and events |
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Term
Chp. 1
What are the Components? |
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Definition
| Affective, Cognitive (What do you know about it?), and Behavioral (What is your predisposition to act?) |
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Term
Chp. 1
What are the sources of values and attitudes? |
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Definition
| Comes from family; Develops a conscious; Trickle down to the influence of your peers |
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Term
Chp. 1
Ethical choices often do what? |
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Definition
| Involve conflicts in values. |
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Term
Chp. 2
Why media communicators should care about ethics? |
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Definition
| It plays a 'Societal role of mass media' and 'practical role' |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain the Societal role of mass media' |
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Definition
A. It stands at the crossroads between citizens and their political, economic and social institutions
B. Mass media transmit cultural values
C. Mass media set the agenda for which values are important, offer cues for standards of conduct
D. Mass media scrutinize institutions, severing as watchdog on government and institutions |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain it's Practical role |
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Definition
A. Disseminate information
b. Transmit persuasive messages
c. Entertain
d. Convergence of all in the Internet |
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Term
Chp. 2
What are the Moral Duties as Media Communicators? |
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Definition
| They have moral obligations, which they do collide and dictate how we decide among moral obligations. |
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Term
Chp. 2
Define Moral Obligations |
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Definition
| On individuals as a condition of membership in that society |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain Moral Obligations |
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Definition
A. General ethical obligations -> Are those that apply 2 all members of that society; values applied 2 all of society
B. Particularistic obligations -> are determined by membership w/in a specific group, profession, or occupation |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain how Moral Obligations Collide |
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Definition
| General v.s. Particularistic |
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Term
Chp. 2
How do we decide among moral obligations? |
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Definition
| Individual conscience, Objects of moral judgement, Financial supporters, Institutions, Professional colleagues, Society |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain each principle in how we decide among moral obligations |
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Definition
A. Individual conscience -> Tells us right from wrong
B. Objects of moral judgement -> Are those individuals or groups most likely 2 b harmed or affected directly by our ethical decisions
C. Financial supporters -> Who pays the bills and make it possible 2 compete in the marketplace?
D. Institutions -> Company loyalty (allegiance)
E. Professional colleagues -> Allegiance; loyal 2 peers
F. Society -> Obligation or loyalty 2 society; social responsibility |
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Term
Chp. 2
How do media communicators regulate themselves? |
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Definition
| They have: Professional codes of conduct, Institutional codes, Ombudsman System, and News Councils |
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Term
Chp. 2
Explain the regulations of communicators |
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Definition
1. Professional -> way a system is regulated with standards professionally (SPJ, AAF, PRSA)
2. Institutional -> Own policies regarding the conduct of employees; particularistic obligations
3. Ombudsman -> hired 2 investigate questionable journalistic conduct & 2 recommend action
4. News -> the most democratic of regulatory devices; "watchdog"; designed 2 investigate complaints against the media, investigate the changes & then publish their findings; Big in the 70's--dead in the 80's |
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Term
Chp. 3
What is Moral Reasoning? |
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Definition
| Is a SYSTEMATIC approach 2 making ethical decisions that can b defended |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain the systematic approach |
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Definition
1. Lean the facts of the dilemma
2. Examine the context
3. Know the moral theories, principles, and practices of the profession
4. ID the problem
5. Evaluate the consequences and implications
6. Decide |
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Term
Chp. 3
What are the foundations of moral theory? |
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Definition
| The Greeks: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, Judeo-Christian Ethic, Immanuel Kant, Utilitarianism, and Egalitarianism |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain the beliefs of The Greeks |
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Definition
1. Socrates --470-399 BC -- believed there are moral absolutes that can be discovered and practiced
2. Plato believed 'good' was a value independent of the standards of society and you would be justified in defying conventional wisdom in the name of some higher moral good
3. Aristotle -> Believed n the "golden mean"...that virtue lay b/t the extremes f excess and deficiency |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Judeo-Christian Ethic |
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Definition
1. Love thy neighbor as thyself
2. Treat those affected by our decisions w/ respect |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Immanuel Kant |
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Definition
1. 'Categorical imperative' -- moral agents should check the principles underlying their actions and decide whether they want them applied universally
2. Duty-based ethics -- ppl have responsibilities 2 always do what is right...not bc of the consequences that might result. "It is the means...not the ends." |
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Term
Chp. 3
Who is responsible for Utilitarianism? |
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Definition
| Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Utilitarianism |
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Definition
1. Concerned w/ the consequences of an ethical judgment
2. Say you must explore best outcome for the greatest # of ppl, rather than looking at the intention of the act
3. Minimization of harm |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Egalitarianism |
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Definition
| 1. All individuals should b treated equally n terms of rights and opportunities |
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Term
Chp. 3
What are the 3 Theories? |
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Definition
| Deontological (Duty-Based) Theory, Teleological (Consequence-Based) Theory, and Golden Mean |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Deontological |
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Definition
1. Deontologist act on universal moral principles, w/o regard 2 the good or bad consequences of their actions
2. You take those 'universal principles' the moral agent would like 2 see applied universally...and act on them |
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Term
Chp. 3
Discuss the Pros and Cons of Deontological Theory |
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Definition
Pros -> Cut, dry, easy; creates a very ordered, structured society; concrete; predictable
B. Cons -> Doesn't look @ consequences; uncompromising, doesn't handle complexity
Walk the walk every step of the way |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Teleological Theory |
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Definition
The ethically correct decision is the one that:
1. Produces the best consequence
2. Focus on minimizing harm
3. 4 the greatest # of ppl |
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Term
Chp. 3
What are the Pros and Cons of Teleological Theory? |
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Definition
A. Pro -> Valuable tool n moral reasoning, does force us 2 weigh impact of our behavior on others; It provides a rational means for taking ourselves from the confusion of rule, conflict & thus helps 2 demystify the process of ethical decision making
B. Cons -> It does not always take n2 account the special obligations 2 individuals or small groups that may conflict with our moral duties 2 society at large ; rely 2 much on unknown results & the predictive powers of moral agents |
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Term
Chp. 3
Explain Golden Mean |
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Definition
| Seek a solution b/t the extremes n a given situation, have selected as practical examples of virtue theory; what's the middle ground? Where's the middle ground? |
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Term
Chp. 3
What is the model for moral reasoning? |
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Definition
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Term
Chp. 3
What is the Sad Model? |
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Definition
| Situation, Analysis, Decision |
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Term
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Definition
A. Facts -> describe the facts & 2 identify the relevant conflicting values and principles implicated n this ethical dilemma
B. Identify and state the relevant
conflicting values and principles that seem 2 b at play
C. State the economic and competitive facts at play
D. Clearly state the ethical ?'s or issues involved |
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Term
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Definition
A. Discuss the relative weights 2 b accorded the various conflicting values & principles
B. Examine external factors that might influence the moral judgment...stuff that's there b4 the case and is likely 2 b there after
C. Examine the groups and individuals likely to be affected by your ethical judgments
D. Examine the emotions
E. Apply ethical theories to moral dilemmas
(Examine from perspective of the moral theories) |
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Term
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Definition
| Based on the analysis, make your decision & defend your recommendation. Include an appeal 2 1 of the moral theories outline earlier. |
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Term
Chp. 4
Explain the "biggie" behind Truth |
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Definition
| The commitment 2 truth is perhaps the most ancient and revered ethical principle |
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Term
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Definition
| The communication of messages ntended 2 mislead others, 2 make them believe what we ourselves do not believe. Can come from behavior, gestures or even silence |
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Term
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Definition
| Is the communication of false n4mation that the communicator knows or believes 2 b false |
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Term
Chp. 4
What are some of the outlines of: Truth n Journalism? |
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Definition
| Basic Tenets and Land mines n road 2 truth n reporting |
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Term
Chp. 4
What are the Basic Tenets |
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Definition
| Accuracy, Context and Understanding (Promote), and Fairness and Balance (Report) |
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Term
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Definition
Reporting must b accurate
A. Tell the truth -> Credibility; verify facts
B. Check quotes 4 accuracy
C. Report research accurately |
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Term
Chp. 4
What are the Land mines in road 2 truth n reporting? |
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Definition
| Feeding frenzy, Instantaneous Communication, and Deception n Journalism |
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Term
Chp. 4
What are the Land mines in road 2 truth n reporting? |
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Definition
| Feeding frenzy, Instantaneous Communication, and Deception n Journalism |
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Term
Chp. 4
Explain Feeding Frenzy and Instant. Communi. |
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Definition
F.F. -> Stories get misconstrued, stretched, competition
Instant -> Films -16 mins; Bag full of equipment, not able 2 do credible journalistic work |
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Term
Chp. 4
Breakdown Deception n Journalism |
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Definition
Accepted practice if REALLY good reason of usage
A. Undercover reporting/use of hidden cameras & microphones, News Staging (causing illegal activity), Re-enactments, Digital image alteration, Fabrication, and Plagiarism |
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Term
Chp. 4
How do you test Deception in Journalism? |
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Definition
The Test:
-> Is the n4mation sought out of compelling public importance?
-> Have all alternatives been considered?
-> Are u convinced the benefit outweighs the possible harm?
-> Are u willing 2 discuss the nature of ur deception & ur reason 4 using it? |
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Term
Chp. 4
Explain the Truth in Advertising and PR |
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Definition
| There's a different standard than n journalism bc they are n the business of persuading. They get paid 2 promote a point of view, defend the client's interest n the court of public opinion, and there's nothing wrong w/ that. |
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Term
Chp. 4
What r the 'basic tenets' in Truth n A & PR? |
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Definition
| Don't knowingly disseminate inaccurate n4mation. |
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Term
Chp. 4
BUT what should u consider in A & PR? |
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Definition
| A & PR r n the business of 'persuasion' & r under NO obligations 2 provide balance & objectivity |
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Term
Chp. 4
Explain the persuasion of A & PR |
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Definition
A. They come 2 the marketplace w/ a bias, but we understand & accept that
B. Advertising Language -- 1. Linguistic ambiguity - crafting language that sounds strong but is SO vague that it can't b tested 2. Puffery -- Using superlatives |
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Term
Chp. 4
Describe the relationship between PR & Journalism |
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Definition
1. Rely on each other
2. There is a Problem: When journalist serve as willing & sometimes uncritical forum 4 the dissemination of gov't & corporate message |
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Term
Chp. 4
What are some examples of the relationship b/t PR & Journalism? |
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Definition
Examples?
A. VNR (Video News Release) B. Product Placement C. Junkets D. Plagiarism |
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Term
Chp. 4
There's a Truth in Entertainment. Along with it comes "Infotainment". Please explain some examples |
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Definition
1. New Journalism
2. Docudrama
3. Reality programming |
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Term
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Definition
| Right 2 b left alone or 2 control unwanted publicity about 1's personal affairs |
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Term
Chp. 5
What's the Tension around Privacy? |
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Definition
| The media r n the business of NOT leaving ppl alone; some invasion of privacy is essential |
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Term
Chp. 5
Explain the Value of Privacy |
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Definition
1. Keeps personal information private
2. Protects us from the scorn; ridicule of others
3. Helps us control our reputations
4. Keeps others at a distance
5. Shields us from the gov't
This wasn't a fundamental value @ 1 time |
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Term
Chp. 5
What are the key points to Privacy as a Legal Concept? |
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Definition
| Intrusion, Publicity of Embarrassing Private Facts, False light, Appropriation, Criminal trespass |
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Term
Chp. 5
Please describe (in detail) each key point in Privacy as a legal concept |
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Definition
1. Intrusion -> Media can b held liable 4 unwanted violation of 1's physical solitude
2. Publicity of..-> Media can b held liable if n4mation would be highly offensive 2 a reasonable person
3. False -> for falsehood or distortions that leave an erroneous impression about sum1
4. App. -> use of sum1's name, pic, or likeness w/o that person's permission, usually 4 commercial exploitation
5. Crimi. -> Don't come pass this point |
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Term
Chp. 5
What r some of the fuzzy areas of the law? |
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Definition
| Public people, deciding what's newsworthy, newsgathering n public places, and n4 from public record |
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Term
Chp. 5
Describe Public People |
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Definition
1. Public officials -> ppl who effect, ppl who run gov't; under liable law reporters can get it wrong & not b punished as long as there is : an absence of malice and no reckless disregard 4 the truth; check on gov't; Don't want reporters tip-toeing around PO; feisty press; if reporters r afraid not good reporting (Times vs Sullivan)
2. Public figures -> Swept n2 public's eye by public events; put themselves there (celebrities) |
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Term
Chp. 5
What is newsworthy? (In dealing w/ privacy) |
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Definition
| The court don't want 2 decide; journalist 2 decide what's newsworthy |
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Term
Chp. 5
Describe newsgathering n public places |
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Definition
| Any place that the public can go is fairgame; Patriot Act is n effect, so certain places r restricted 4 newsgathering |
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Term
Chp. 5
Describe n4 from public record |
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Definition
| Is privileged & can b used w/ public abandoned even if it is wrong; "Freedom of n4mation" & making sure that things r going down properly = the reason why n4mation (p record) is public |
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Term
Chp. 5
What are some specific problem areas when it comes 2 Privacy and the Journalist? |
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Definition
| Contagious Diseases and disabilities, Sexual Orientation, Rape victims, Juvenile offenders, Suicides/Deaths, Secret Cameras and Recorders, Ambush Nterviews, Accidents and Personal Tragedies, Cpu's and Database Journalism |
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Term
Chp. 5
Describe (in greater detail) the specific problem areas |
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Definition
A. Contagious Diseases and disabilities -> completely your business
B. Sexual Orientation -> sometimes nportant 2 a story
C. Rape victims -> Normally you don't name rape victims; shame of the victim; don't want ppl 2 know; stigma
D. Juvenile offenders -> We take care of our younger children bc they just don't really understand what they're doing
E. Suicides/Deaths
F. Secret Cameras and Recorders -> Nvasion of privacy
G. Ambush Nterviews -> push camera out of face = guilty; privacy? sum1 bcomes the poster child 4 the dilemma
H. Accidents -> person cradling child during a tragedy
I. Computers -> putting up a stoplight or camera n a position that seems ?able |
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Term
Chp. 5
What are the Journalistic Guidelines (4) |
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Definition
A. Respect 4 Others
B. Social Utility
C. Justice (brining sum1 2 it)
D. Strive for minimization of harm |
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Term
Chp. 5
What are some key pts n Advertising & Privacy? |
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Definition
| Advertising n public places & advertising that enters the privacy of our homes (is it a matter of etiquette or ethics?; privacy issues) |
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Term
Chp. 5
Give examples of ads that enter your home |
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Definition
| Louder commercials, taboo products, obnoxious, stereotypical and stoopid, telemarketers, etc. |
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Term
Chp. 6
Define Confidentiality |
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Definition
| Means trusted w/ private matters |
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Term
Chp. 6
Define it when it relates 2 media communications |
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Definition
Principle of media comm. which imposes a duty 2 w/hold the names f sources of n4mation, or the n4mation itself, from 3rd parties under certain circumstances
In journalism, everything a newsmaker says 2 a reporter can b used, but sumtimes, reporters r willing 2 promise confidentiality n exchange 4 nportant n4mation, & this bargain is ethically--& legally--binding |
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Term
Chp. 6
What are the key points to the types of confidential relationships |
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Definition
| Express promise, relationships 2 loyalty, Confidential relationships recognized by law, and then there's the pros of the shield laws |
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Term
Chp. 6
Describe express promises |
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Definition
| promises of anonymity 2 a news source; written or oral |
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Term
Chp. 6
What are the key pts 2 express promises? (4) |
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Definition
| Off the record, On background or not for attribution, Deep background, and embargo |
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Term
Chp. 6.
Explain (in greater detail) express promises |
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Definition
A. Off the record - n4mation provided is NOT 4 public release (2 the reporter); cannot release it unless some1 says "off the record"; say it 1st THEN speak
B. On Background -> arrangement whereby gov't officials r other sources cl n reporters 2 brief them on some matter of public nterest; source can brief the reporter on a matter BUT source is identified ONLY by vague reference
C. Deep Background -> reporters can use the n4mation BUT can't attribute it 2 the source n any way
D. Embargo -> Newsmakers & reporters agree that newsmakers will give a reporter n4mation ahead of time; reporters holds it until they agree on release time |
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Term
Chp. 6
Describe relationships 2 loyalty (in confidentiality) |
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Definition
| Having an alliance (professional) w/ a colleague that you're willing 2 go the extra mile |
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Term
Chp. 6
There are confidential relationships recognized by law. What are two? |
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Definition
| Professionals & Shield laws (reporters) |
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Term
Chp. 6
Describe Shield laws |
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Definition
1. About 60% of the states extend protection 2 reporters 2 keep them from being compelled 2 reveal their confidential sources 2 courts or police
Shields r not always absolute, so courts rely on these points
-> does reporter have n4 clearly relevant 2 a specific, probable violation of law
-> can n4mation b gotten elsewhere, by means less destructive 2 1st amendment
-> is there a compelling and overriding need 4 the n4
Currently there is NO federal shield law |
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Term
Chp. 6
What are the Pros and Cons of Shield laws? |
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Definition
-> Prevents harm 2 individual
-> brings n4 2 the 4front; what wouldn't otherwise hadn't surfaced
-> Let's the press fulfill its "watchdog" role
Cons
-> Grants an above status above all other citizens
-> Allows journalist 2 make up confidential "sources"; exempts reporters from normal editorial review process
-> Aids n cover ups in crime
-> Sources have motives (ulterior) |
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Term
Chp. 6
Describe protecting the rights of sources |
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Definition
| Supreme Court has held hat news organizations cannot break promises of confidentiality to news sources |
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Term
Chp. 6
When do you break the promise (of confidentiality)? (4) |
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Definition
1. 2 avoid a 'greater wrong'
2. 2 avoid going 2 jail
3. 2 set the record straight
4. N libel suit |
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Term
Chp. 6
Tell more about confidentiality (4) |
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Definition
It sometimes ncludes secret or electronic document provided by a source:
1. sealed documents 2. grand jury investigations 3. classified gov. documents 4. details of war reporting |
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