Technology and Journalism Ethics

Technological advances in recent years have opened the doors to a wide range of possibilities for journalists. We now have infinitely more ways to gather, edit, produce and disseminate substantive information to a broad audience in a much timelier manner. But as technology has ushered in a new age of information, it has also brought about a plethora of new ethical problems and dilemmas. The challenge for current and future journalists is to take advantage of the beneficial aspects of new technology while maintaining traditional journalistic values and ethics.

Technology has been especially helpful in the production of news, as the Internet and computer programs have revolutionized the production process. As we discussed in class, copy editors can now fact-check names and other information in half the time with a simple online search. In turn, this shorter production time allows reporters more time to focus on getting accurate, complete information that provides context and depth.

Online publishing also provides a new opportunities to serve the public interest and hold the powerful accountable. (1) With online records searches and computerized databases, journalists have even more opportunities for investigative research and reporting. News organizations can communicate breaking news and urgent information to a wide audience in a short time through text casting, RSS feeds and other tools. And because the Internet allows two-way communication between the news media and its audience, it encourages citizen participation and community discussion on important issues and events. Better communication with readers and the public allows journalists to stay more informed of community interests and concerns, and it helps to ensure the media report the news accurately, fairly and completely.

But for all the benefits of computer technology and the Internet, there are just as many — if not more — professional and ethical challenges for journalists. There are innumerable problems related to blogging and Web publishing that, when combined, can produce a “stew that can turn from tasty to troubling.” (2) Perhaps the most important ethical dilemma associated with online journalism is the need to “balance the value of serving readers with timely, immediate information versus the value of providing them with accurate, fair, complete and carefully vetted information.” (2) Journalists must walk the line between being first and being right.

In many situations, the ability and desire to be the first one out of the gate with a story can push the boundaries of acceptable journalistic practices. For Jason Leopold, the rush of breaking a story completely overshadowed any concerns about ethics or accuracy. “I didn’t care about ethics,” Leopold says. “I didn’t even think about ethical violations. I just wanted to be the first one to get to the truth.” (3) Although Leopold’s behavior may be more extreme than that of most reporters, the temptation to cut corners is nonetheless an issue for many journalists. In an industry that rewards speed, accuracy can become an afterthought. Even small news organizations, such as the Missourian, may be beginning to adopt a policy of “post now, check later.” Of course, when stories are completely accurate, this strategy can be very rewarding. But when they’re not, the results can be disastrous.

In addition, computer technology also presents opportunities to alter or falsify information. With the click of a button, a journalist can easily manipulate a photograph, alter the contents of a document or create a fake e-mail. Journalists can now even alter or falsify information in their resumes and portfolios. With electronic versions, it’s relatively simple to re-do a reporting, editing or design clip to improve it or fix an error. Technology has made misrepresentation much easier — and much more tempting.

The Internet and other technologies have given journalists boundless tools with which to improve and perfect their craft. But the same tools that enable us to serve the public good are full of opportunities for ethical missteps. While our technological abilities have advanced, journalists have not yet developed a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines to manage the challenges of a changing industry. It is essential that ethical discussions related to these changes continue to take place in classrooms and newsrooms as we continue to struggle with the limitless capabilities of technology and online journalism.

(1) “Online Journalism Ethics: Guidelines from the Conference.” The Poynter Institute. http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=117350. Updated: 11 February 2007.
(2) Steele, Bob. “Helter Skelter No More: An Evolving Guidebook for Online Ethics.” The Poynter Institute. http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=117347&sid=32. Updated: 1 February 2007.
(3) Leopold, Jason. News Junkie. Los Angeles: Process Media, 2006. pp. 201.