Conflict of Interest
Gifts and "perks"
1. A perk is a fringed benefit 2. A policy may say "accept nothing from news sources" meaning meals, don't let news source buy you lunch/dinner
Political areas that might result in accusations of conflicts of interest
1. Journalist should be careful of political activism 2. Donating contributions from journalist 3. Participating in public demonstrations 4. Gay journalist who participate in gay rights organizations might be reprimanded.
Conflict of Interest
A clash between professional loyalties and outside interest that undermines the credibility of a moral agent.
Junkets
A free trip; a trip made by an official at public expense or promotional trip made at another's expense
Hidden Agendas
is a hidden motive Example: get invited to speak at Harvard, but in order to do so person has to donate a sizable amount of $$ to organization. (probably sent to 1,000's of professors)
Public relations society of code of ethics
Avoiding real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest builds the trust of clients, employers, and the public.
Journalistic detachment
Idea that journalist should be completely detached from stories that they cover, should not get involved- situation ethics.
Checkbook journalism
Paying for news, interviewees, different sources, etc.
Solutions to the problem: conflict of interest
Policies and Codes
SPJ code of ethics
Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel, and special treatment and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality or may damage credibility.
Should government officials be criticized?
They should be if they do something worth criticizing.
Ethical problems with journalists accepting gifts, favors, etc.
Those offering gifts/favors in all probability want to influence coverage
Vested Interests
a personal/ private reason for wanting something to be done or to happen.
Public Journalism (civic)
the philosophy that newspapers should try to solve civic problems as well as report the news.
