Re: Media Ethics Discussion -- COM101 Mass Communications

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Date Posted: 06:53:01 12/09/08 Tue
Author: Lisa Phillips
Subject: Re: Media Ethics Discussion
In reply to: Richard Lenoce 's message, "Media Ethics Discussion" on 17:59:45 11/21/08 Fri

I chose to discuss Scenario #4: Newspaper Joins the War Against Drugs. I searched for this topic on the Web and found this ethics case with arguments for and against publishing the pictures.

I believe that the Standard Times should have published the pictures. As I read the argument for this, I found myself agreeing with most of what was said. The paper was basically reporting the news. New Bedford, MA has become infested with drug dealers and users. The journalist�s argument is that no one is saying rights are being violated or ethical standards are being violated when accused child molesters, rapists and murderers have their pictures in the paper or shown on television. Accused drug pushers and users should not be put in a separate category that makes them immune to that same publicity.

Deni Elliot wrote his opinion in �A casualty of the anti-drug crusade.� In it, he states that those pictured are linked to drug use forever. That it does not matter if a retraction is printed; the damage is done. He also states that it is the police officer�s job, not the journalist to get these people off the streets and that the journalist�s job is to help reader�s understand why things are happening. I found his argument to be weak. Perhaps I feel too strongly about the use of drugs in our country. I honestly think that a reporter can do both.

The question that remains is are these pictures necessary to report the news? I say yes. The public relies on the media to bring stories to light. These people are accused of a crime. If they are found innocent, then there should be a retraction. This �war on drugs� has been going on for a very long time. Even when I was in high school, some 20 years ago, drugs have been a problem. It seems that things are worse and it is news. Perhaps if a person has their picture published, they may decide to stop using drugs or a loved one will see that they need help. If a pusher�s picture is published, a parent will know who to keep their children away from. Is this ethical? Since all types of accused criminals have their pictures displayed to the public, it should not even be an ethical issue. Whether blame goes to the drug dealers or lack of social services, there is a problem in that community and any kind of support should not be discouraged.

Sources:
http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/aiding-law-enforcement/newspaper-joins-war-against-drugs/
http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/aiding-law-enforcement/fairness/

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Replies:

Re: Media Ethics Discussion -- sarah chamberlain, 12:29:57 12/09/08 Tue