Ethical Principles In The Journalism Profession - Assignment Example

Ethical Principles In The Journalism Profession The current study aims to present a mission statement by elaborating my ideas and objectives with regards to the responsibilities of a true, dedicated and honest professional journalist. The study is also interested in demonstrating my unconditional belief in the specific ethical and moral principles while embarking upon my career as a journalist in the wake of completing my education by obtaining my graduate degree in Mass Communication. The core values I adhere to have been discussed in the paragraphs below: Part I-Introduction: Journalism serves as one of the most important and noble professions, which is determined to provide the people with the latest information regarding the political, social, economic, cultural and strategic incidents and events taking place in various areas and regions of the globe at large (Macionis 130-31). One of the most important tasks before the journalists includes communicating of the swift and comprehensive updates about the news associated with the rulers, nations, public and cultures that may capture the consideration of the masses belonging to the pole-apart regions of the world. Hence, keeping the people up-dated with the fast changing geo-political and socioeconomic scenarios serves as the most fundamental objective in the eyes of the journalists. In simple terms, communicating the news of regional, social, national and international concerns, based on truth and validity as well as without having any fears of being persecuted, could rightly be stated to be the first and foremost obligation of the journalist community. Consequently, unveiling the criminal activities, social injustices, prejudiced behavior of the influential groups and communities, and pointing out the social evils prevailing in a culture come under the list of the duties attributed to the profession of journalism. Part II—Strive for: Although the journalists are bound to render their services free from coercion and fear on the one side, and impartial from the ethnic, racial, regional, religious, gender-based and all other kinds of biased and prejudiced behavior; however, the same is not practiced in the real sense of the term in any area of the world (Harcup 138-39). Nevertheless, there always appear some selfless and dauntless people in every society, who unconditionally strive for social justice, equality and individual freedom with the ambitions of setting the masses free from the clutches of cruelties, slavery and unfairness at any cost. Being a strict and devoted truth-seeker, I aim to imitate the foot-prints of such noble and courageous souls, the efforts of which play decisive role in the collective uplift of their social foundations. Consequently, instead of spreading staggering and shocking news based on falsehood and immorality, I will attempt to work on communicating the positive, constructive, beneficial and interesting information to the readers and viewers alike. In addition to this, I will report the incidents without involving my personal inclinations or grudges in favor of as well as against my preferred and opponent ethno-racial and religious communities. Moreover, just and neutral coverage of the events would be my motto and mission as a true and dedicated professional journalist. Furthermore, I will employ my sincerest efforts in bringing the corruption, irregularities and other dishonesties exercised by the politicians, journalists, military and civil personnel and other powerful strata of society in order to add my share in the campaign of discouraging wide scale corruption and lawlessness from the face of society. Part III-Avoidance: There would certainly appear some acts and issues, which a true and committed professional must avoid and escape; the same is pertinently applied to journalism. Being an honest and straightforward professional, I will work for the uplift of my nation, motherland and organization. I will never get involved into any activity that could cause defaming of my work place. Similarly, I will try my best to escape all actions and activities that could result into hurting or harming others in any manner. I will attempt to discourage the religious and sectarian hatred on the one side, and the ethno-racial and class conflict on the other. In addition, I will try to bridge the differences to be created between the communities by promoting common features and characteristics among the communities. For instance, though I personally abhor same-sex activities, cohabitations and unions in all ways, even then I would never publish any material that could be disgusting or throbbing for the gay community members. Furthermore, instead to providing immoral tales about the personal life of the celebrities and other popular and/or influential members of society, projection and promotion of the issues of grave and universal concern would be my area of interest during my career life. Similarly, I will never sell my conscience against the material gains and temporary benefits by working against the principles of morality, truthfulness and social justice altogether. On the contrary, I will prefer to lead a dignified and an independent life that would be free from any bar or undue favor from any circle or social group altogether. Consequently, instead of becoming the cat’s paw of the opportunist and evil-minded people, I will appear as the friend, companion and benefactor of the oppressed and suppressed groups and communities of my nation. Part IV—Conclusion: To conclude, it becomes evident that my parents, teachers, university environment and the syllabus—all have added their share in deciding, determining and establishing a detailed and comprehensive code of ethics and principles for my embarking upon the profession of my choice an interest i.e. journalism. I have learnt through my syllabus guidelines as well as from my professors and instructors regarding performing my professional obligations in an effective and responsible manner. In the same way, I have also articulated the outline necessary for exercising my abilities and proficiencies by emulating the path of truthfulness, justice, equality, fair play and compassion while entering into an interaction with the natural and social environment existing all around me. I have learnt how to deny the prejudice, bias, avariciousness, pride and hatred by acting upon the principles of love, kindness, benevolence, straightforwardness, modesty and humility by treating all members of society on the basis of equality. I am determined to provide the latest information to the people after confirming the same and presenting it by putting aside any personal thoughts and views regarding the same. As a professional journalist, my core values will help me to raise the social problems and other issues of vital political and economic concern in order to strive for the elimination of injustice and deceit from society. Thus, my core values will turn out to be supportive in respect of demonstrating my skills and abilities in the best interest of the entire social fabrics at large. Works Cited Harcup, Tony. The Ethical Journalist New York: Sage Publisher, 2006. Print. Macionis, John J. Sociology Eleventh Edition New York: Pearson Prentice Hall Inc 2008. Print. Read More