Re: Media Ethics Discussion -- COM101 Mass Communications

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Date Posted: 11:43:10 12/13/08 Sat
Author: Ashley Maternowski
Subject: Re: Media Ethics Discussion
In reply to: Richard Lenoce 's message, "Media Ethics Discussion" on 17:59:45 11/21/08 Fri

Scenario #6:

It is not right for the media to �out� an individual against his or her will. There is a right to freedom of press/speech but when this freedom is used and harms a person�s image, it becomes an issue of libel. Libel is a written or oral statement that conveys unjustly or unfavorable impression of a person. The statement is published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt. The publication is blasphemous, seditious, treasonable, or obscene writings or pictures.(1) If the newspaper prints these allegations based on rumors or suspicions, they ultimately defame a person. A person�s sexuality should not be up for public scrutiny unless it directly affects the public.

A person�s sexuality may become a topic for public discussion when it affects the public. For example, if a political official voted in by the public is accused for using government money to pay for sex, then yes, this person�s sexuality may be up for questioning. In this situation, the official�s sexuality is ultimately harming the public with lies and deceit.(2) If a political official is caught on vacation holding hands with another man, then no, it is not the right for a journalist to print. In this example, the official was not serving the public rather they were enjoying his/her privacy.

So many of these tabloids attack celebrities to find out who they are dating. But in the grand scheme of things, it should be left for their private matter. And many times, a person�s sexual orientation becomes more important than their work, such as Lance Bass of NSYNC or Lindsay Lohan. A good example is the public attacks of Neil Patrick Harris. In an interview with PEOPLE he said, �There was a little media scrutiny heading my way,� and described his �outing� as, �this sort of witch-hunt brewing.� He went on to say, �The last thing you want to do is talk about your private life based on a scandal.� (3)

Journalists must follow a code of ethics when reporting a story. Some of this ethics are as follows; �Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage,� and �Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.� (4) In the case of Harris, the journalists did not show compassion, rather they staged what he called �a witch-hunt� to find out if he was gay.(3) A journalist should think about the repercussions when �outing� an individual.

Bottom line, it is irrelevant whether the person who is being �outed� is a public servant or private citizen. In the big picture, a public servant is under more examination and judgment than a private citizen, but in either case, the person can lose his/her job, family, friends, etc. When the person�s sexuality is harming others, then it may be up for questioning because it affects others. But if a singer is caught kissing his partner while enjoying his or her privacy, then it should be left alone; it�s not harming anyone.

A person�s sexual orientation is a private matter. Gay or straight, if their relationships are not harming others, then it is no one�s business. It is certainly not the right for the media to decide that a person be publicly come �out�, especially without the person�s consent. Even though journalists voluntarily embrace the SPJ Code of Ethics, they should always be �honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.� (4)

1. Definition of �libel� Merriam-Webster Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libel Copyright � 2008, All rights reserved. 11/30/08 7:00pm.
2. �A tale of sexuality or hypocrisy?� By MELANIE HICKEN / The Working Press 10/6/2007 10:02:00 PM ACCESSED at SPJ.org 11/30/08 7:00pm
3. �Neil Patrick Harris: �Witch-Hunt� About Me Being Gay,� Pete Norman. 4/19/07. www.people.com 11/30/08 7:30pm.
4. �The SPJ Code of Ethics,� Society of Professional Journalists. 1996 SPJ National Convention. www.spj.org/ethics code.asp

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Re: Media Ethics Discussion -- Emily Cardella, 13:28:00 12/13/08 Sat