Assignment

Learning Outcomes

? Evaluate why a free press is important for the public good, and how the survival of society itself could depend on correct, reliable information.

? Explain the role of bloggers and citizen reporters on the Internet and their need for ethical standards.

? Develop a statement of "Ethical Considerations and Code of Conduct" for a theoretical news station.

Discussion 1: Dangers to a Free Press

Why is it important to have a free press in society? Of the ethical issues we have considered in this course (censorship / protecting confidential sources / right to privacy/ bias or opinion in news stories) which poses the greatest danger to journalists and a free press?

Discussion 2

Blogging and citizen reporting have become increasingly prominent on the Internet. For an insightful article on citizen journalism, see "Your Guide to Citizen Journalism (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.." The world of online reporting raises questions on ethical standards. Considering what you have learned about ethical standards for professional journalists, respond to the following questions: Should citizen journalists/bloggers be held to the same ethical standards as professionals? Why or why not? What risks are involved in citizen journalists/bloggers not following a code of ethics?

Research Paper

This Research Paper will cover a contemporary journalism or media ethics issue. You must select one of the five topics below for the Research Paper.

? Counting the Costs: Ethical Issues Associated with Protecting Sources
? Follow Me: Holding Bloggers Ethically Responsible
? "Give Us Privacy": Ethical Treatment of Families of Criminals in News Reports
? In the Eye of the Beholder: The Ethical Pitfalls of Images and Video in News Reports
? Words that Hurt: An Ethical Basis of Libel

After choosing a topic, write a research paper that includes the following:

? Explain the ethical significance of the topic.
? Discuss each of the concepts and/or areas of ethics that are relevant to the topic.
? Identify and discuss at least two real-world situations in relation to the topic.
? Discuss the implications of the issue on the field of journalism.
? Write an overall opinion of the issues discussed in relation to the impact on individuals, groups, and society.

The paper must be at least eight pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least five scholarly resources (at least two of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library) other than the textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page.

Writing the Research Paper

The Research Paper:

? Must be at least eight double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

? Must include a title page with the following:

- Title of paper
- Student's name
- Course name and number
- Instructor's name
- Date submitted

? Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
? Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
? Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
? Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford Online Library.
? Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
? Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Required Resources

Required Text

1. Journalistic Ethics: Moral Responsibility in the Media:
1. Chapter Four - Freedom of the Press (pp. 118-125)
2. Chapter Nine - Editorial License and Obligations (pp. 244-248; 258-267)
3. Afterword - Information High Technology
4. Afterword - Historical Background: Twain's Congo Pamphlet

Articles

1. Glaser, M. (2006, September 27). Your guide to citizen journalism.
2. Rushdie, S. (2012, May 11). On censorship.

Multimedia

1. TED Talk on youtube (2007, Jan. 16). "Sasha Vucinic: Why a free press is the best investment".

2. TEDx Talks on youtube . (2011, May 14). Citizen journalism | Paul Lewis | TEDxThessaloniki.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Text

1. Journalistic Ethics: Moral Responsibility in the Media:

1. Afterword - Journalism as a Force for Social Good

Website

1. Ethics. Society of Professional Journalists.