SPJ Code of Ethics
SPJ principle that encourages journalists to treat sources / subjects with compassion.
What is minimize harm?
One condition that may justify deception in journalism.
What is when information is of profound public importance?
One goal of diversity in journalism is to prevent this problem in news coverage.
What is stereotyping or excluding certain groups?
This magazine altered O.J. Simpson’s mugshot in a way critics said made him appear more sinister.
What is Time magazine?
This occurs when personal relationships or interests could influence journalistic decisions.
What is a conflict of interest?
The four principles in the SPJ Code of Ethics.
What are seek truth and report it, act independently, be accountable and transparent, and minimize harm?
Before deception is used, journalists should first exhaust these.
What are ALL other reporting methods or alternatives?
This diversity checklist category focuses on bringing in voices and perspectives that are rarely heard.
What is inclusion?
Critics argued the altered Simpson photo reinforced this type of bias.
What is racial bias or stereotyping?
Journalists in these communities often face more conflict-of-interest challenges.
What are small towns?
This principle emphasizes transparency and taking responsibility.
What is be accountable?
When deception is used, journalists must do this once the story is published.
What is disclose the deception and explain why it was used?
This diversity checklist category focuses on helping journalists challenge stereotypes / prejudice.
What is combating prejudice?
If a photographer would feel uncomfortable explaining how an image was created, it is likely this.
What is unethical?
A journalist should ask himself/herself these four questions.
1. Am I being independent? 2. Could my action harm my integrity or my organization’s integrity? 3. Is the mere appearance of a conflict enough to diminish my credibility? 4. Am I willing to publicly disclose any potential conflicts?
This principle warns journalists to avoid conflicts of interest.
What is act independently?
One ethical test: The benefit must outweigh this.
What is the harm caused by the deception?
This diversity checklist category focuses on improving reporting by including overlooked perspectives.
What is improving craft?
Ethical concerns arise when journalists do this to photos in ways that mislead audiences.
What is alter or manipulate images?
Even if no bias exists, this alone can damage credibility.
What is the appearance of a conflict of interest?
This principle is focused on accuracy and truth-telling.
What is seek truth and report it?
The long-term risk journalists face when using deception, even if the story is important.
What is damage to credibility / loss of public trust?
This diversity checklist category involves increasing diversity in hiring, promotion, and newsroom leadership.
What is leading change?
The magazine that published O.J.’s mugshot (unedited) on the cover.
Newsweek
If a newspaper accepts a free trip for reporting, it must do this when publishing the story.
What is disclose who paid for the trip?