Media Ethics

Principles of ethics form the basis of journalistic ethics and norms. This was the main theme of 23^rd September class by Dr. Anand Pradhan.

He discussed about the different types of principles that are useful for media person. These principles are functional because they provide a philosophical foundation from which to analyse ethical situation and make right decision.

He made clear that a report should always be balanced, one should never exaggerate and always maintain a sense of proportion. The main point which can lead to become a perfect journalist is to avoid emotional outburst. Emotion and journalist are always parallel to each other. He also talked about maintaining balance between the communities and the issues related to those. 

Moving on to teach ethical dilemma he presented many examples which helped us to understand the different types of dilemmas and how to tackle with those. Different types of principless are

Ø  The principle of Utility which says Choose the alternative that maximizes value or minimizes loss.

Ø  Categorical Imperative- According to German philosopher Immanuel Kant, what is right for one is right for all.

Ø  Principle of Golden Mean (Madhyam Marg) which deals with the moral virtues lies between two extremes and the Golden Mean stresses moderation as opposed to extremes or excess. The Greek philosopher Aristotle noted that too much food as well as too little food spoils health. For this principle moderation is the key.

Ø  Veil of Ignorance says that Justice is blind. Philosopher John Rawls argued that justice emerges when everyone is treated without social differentiations. So, veil of ignorance is related to the idea of fairness.

Media Ethics

Dr. Anand Pradhan in his lecture ‘Media Ethics’ enlightened students with the ideas as to how ethical dilemmas can be dealt with and resolved. He also presented before them some ethical standards of journalism. He told the students that the sole aim of journalism is to provide information to the citizen. Mr. Pradhan said,‘Ethics is concerned with basic questioning of what is right’. He emphasized the importance of ethics as a prime concern for the professional satisfaction.

In his lecture, he explained ten journalistic ethics and standards: truth and accuracy, objectivity, balance, impartiality, serving public interest, personal integrity, respect for individual privacy, independence from vested interest, respect for law and universal human values and moral decency and good taste.

He also discussed objectivity. ‘In order to ensure objectivity, one should not take bribe and must avoid conflict of interest’, he quoted. During his lecture, he also talked about dealing with sources, for journalist should always maintain the confidentiality of anonymous sources and never be dependent on a single source and thus always cross check and verify the sources. While talking on plagiarism, he termed it as ‘illegal’ and ‘unethical’ to the profession of journalism. Adding more to the issue of plagiarism in his concluding lines, he cited the example of Fareed Zakaria, an Indo-American journalist, who was castigated over being accused of plagiarism.

Media Ethics

Dr. Anand Pradhan in his lecture ‘Media Ethics’ enlightened students with the ideas as to how ethical dilemmas can be dealt with and resolved. He also presented before them some ethical standards of journalism. He told the students that the sole aim of journalism is to provide information to the citizen. Mr. Pradhan said,‘Ethics is concerned with basic questioning of what is right’. He emphasized the importance of ethics as a prime concern for the professional satisfaction.

In his lecture, he explained ten journalistic ethics and standards: truth and accuracy, objectivity, balance, impartiality, serving public interest, personal integrity, respect for individual privacy, independence from vested interest, respect for law and universal human values and moral decency and good taste.

He also discussed objectivity. ‘In order to ensure objectivity, one should not take bribe and must avoid conflict of interest’, he quoted. During his lecture, he also talked about dealing with sources, for journalist should always maintain the confidentiality of anonymous sources and never be dependent on a single source and thus always cross check and verify the sources. While talking on plagiarism, he termed it as ‘illegal’ and ‘unethical’ to the profession of journalism. Adding more to the issue of plagiarism in his concluding lines, he cited the example of Fareed Zakaria, an Indo-American journalist, who was castigated over being accused of plagiarism.

Media Ethics

Dr. Anand Pradhan in his lecture ‘Media Ethics’ enlightened students with the ideas as to how ethical dilemmas can be dealt with and resolved. He also presented before them some ethical standards of journalism. He told the students that the sole aim of journalism is to provide information to the citizen. Mr. Pradhan said,‘Ethics is concerned with basic questioning of what is right’. He emphasized the importance of ethics as a prime concern for the professional satisfaction.

In his lecture, he explained ten journalistic ethics and standards: truth and accuracy, objectivity, balance, impartiality, serving public interest, personal integrity, respect for individual privacy, independence from vested interest, respect for law and universal human values and moral decency and good taste.

He also discussed objectivity. ‘In order to ensure objectivity, one should not take bribe and must avoid conflict of interest’, he quoted. During his lecture, he also talked about dealing with sources, for journalist should always maintain the confidentiality of anonymous sources and never be dependent on a single source and thus always cross check and verify the sources. While talking on plagiarism, he termed it as ‘illegal’ and ‘unethical’ to the profession of journalism. Adding more to the issue of plagiarism in his concluding lines, he cited the example of Fareed Zakaria, an Indo-American journalist, who was castigated over being accused of plagiarism.