Ethics Critique

Columbus Dispatch writer Meredith Heagney spoke to my Media Ethics class Tuesday, February 23, and made a relevant point concerning journalists' duty and social media. "A journalist's job is to cover the news, not make the news." I think this is a valid point when questioning where the line is between reporters and social networking sites. For example, tweeting the details of a meeting is creating the news, not covering the news. Covering the news would entail the reporter to speak with sources to gather accurate information and unbiased facts. When did reporters start misunderstanding their duty to the public? Although Pamela J. Podger offers many different views in her story, one stuck out to me. Cheryl Rossi's idea of having two separate Facebook accounts seems to make the most sense while creating the least amount dramatic debate. Although this whole debate is clearly complex and blurry, this solution is simple. The idea offers reporters to have social lives while maintainting "transparency" as a professional. I don't think there is any real answer as to where the line should be drawn. Many journalists are still asking the question. One newspaper journalist, Gina Chen, blogs about her thoughts which are basically the same as other every other ETHICAL journalist! Finally, when considering where to draw the ethical line between jounalism and social media, ask yourself these questions: What is the situation? Consider the principles, state the ethical issue, weigh the principles, consider external factors, examine all parties involved. At the end if you(being a journalist) have truly concluded that calling the president a "SCUMBALL" on your twitter is ethical and will cause no harm, then by all means...but I highly doubt that will ever be the case.