Anderholm 1

Paige Anderholm
Professor Bret
RC 2001
2 November 2015
Journalism in Social Critique
How one gets their information depends on a few things- socio-economic standing,
political stance, physical location; that same information depends on similar, if not the same,
variables. Journalisms, and the medias, role in informing the general public about events,
locally and globally, is incredibly important but at the same time delicate. How can one report
without summarizing too much when there is an almost infinite amount of things to cover around
the world? What takes priority? What are the standards in reporting, writing, photography? The
best way to create change in the world is by starting a conversation. But one has to make sure
that conversation is truthful and offering a holistic perspective.
There are many news sources, societies, journals, and organizations dedicated to
upholding ethics within journalism. Ultimately, they all seek to provide unbiased, in-depth
knowledge for a general audience who is pursuing a better understanding of the world around
them. For example, the Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to creating an
environment where journalism can be practiced freely and fully, while at the same time
encouraging high standards and adherence to a set of ethical guidelines (Society of Professional
Journalists). Their code of ethics is built upon the belief that public engagement is the catalyst of
justice and the foundation of democracy. The ethical journalism must seek truth and report it,
minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. These four principles
serve as a guideline for anyone in the journalism field, regardless of medium.

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National Public Radio has an ethics handbook as well, though it varies slightly. NPR
journalists, including those in NPR podcasts and shows, must uphold the following in their
reporting: accuracy, fairness, completeness, honesty, impartiality, transparency, accountability,
respect, and excellence. These guiding values are intimately correlated with the stations
mission- to create a more informed public, that not only seeks the information on various
events, ideas, and culture, nationally and globally, but also wants a deeper understanding;
essentially, people who are not satisfied after a cursory glance (NPR Ethics Handbook).
The guiding ethical principles of the Society of Professional Journalists and National
Public Radio are just two examples what journalistic ethical codes look like. But how does one
ensure that the news they are taking in is following these idealistic, seemingly lofty, principles?
In a culture where the majority of people get their news from social media, click bait, and
polarizing and obviously politically-oriented news sources, it is incredibly hard to accomplish
the mission of NPR and the Society of Professional Journalists.

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Works Cited
"NPR Ethics Handbook." NPR Ethics Handbook. National Public Radio. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.
"Society of Professional Journalists Improving and Protecting Journalism since 1909." SPJ Code
of Ethics. 6 Sept. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.