Journalism is a profession which operates in the public area and therefore can give rise to various ethical issues. Subsequently, the profession is guided by a code of ethics. Such codes originated in print media and were updated to consider broadcast media. The principle guide for journalistic ethics in Australia is the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (Journalists) Code of Ethics. It revolves around the issues of honesty, fairness, independence and respect for the rights of others.
The recent shift towards online journalism, however, has left some gaps and grey areas in journalistic ethics. The Journalists’ Code of Ethics and other ethical guidelines are yet to be updated to reflect modern technology and the changes it has brought to the world of journalism.
A number of existing ethical dilemmas have been exacerbated by the online environment of internet journalism (Bowd, 2002: 41-59). One dilemma is the question of speed versus accuracy. In all forms of journalism there is conflict between choosing to publish immediate information or waiting to verify facts and ensuring accuracy. This is exacerbated by the online environment, as one of the major features of this medium is its immediacy. News updates are often posted as they happen which allows early access to information but which can risk the accuracy of the content.
Another ethical consideration in online journalism is the way information and pictures can be archived indefinitely and accessed from around the globe (Bowd, 2002: 41-59.) This means that any mistakes and ethical breaches would be more damaging and widespread. Incorrect information may be archived and the misinformation passed on to web-users accessing the archives.
Advertising pressure is another ethical issue for internet publications. This is significant as independence is a critical component of journalistic ethics. In print and broadcast media it is easier to distinguish advertisements and editorials from news than it is online (Bowd, 2002: 41-59). This is further exacerbated in online news and internet users are resistant to paying for online information, forcing online news organisations to gain their entire revenue from sources like advertising.
The shift to online journalism has also created new medium-specific ethical dilemmas. Hyperlinks, for example, are a valuable tool in online journalism but can lead to potential problems, as the web pages they link to may be inaccurate, offensive or inappropriate. To deal with this ethically, the content and quality of linked websites should be monitored and internet users should be warned that the pages they visit are not part of the news website (Bowd, 2002: 41-59).
Academics suggest retaining the one code of ethics but updating it regularly to reflect ethical issues in the growing medium of online journalism (Bowd, 2002: 41-59).
Back to Applications of Online Journalism
References
AJA Code of Ethics. [Online], (2004). Available: http://www.alliance.org.au/hot/ethicscode.htm [Accessed 28 Oct. 2004].
Bowd, K. (2002) "Left in technology's wake? Codes of ethics and online news," Australian Journalism Review, vol.24, no.2, pp.41-59.
Cohen, E. (2002) "Online Journalism as Market-Driven Journalism", Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, vol. 46, no. 4, pp.532-548.
Hurst, J. and White, S. (1994) Ethics and the Australian News Media, South Yarra: Macmillan Publishers Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 0732919401.
Hayley Rayment 11:50, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
