Three of the Seven Dilemmas Journalists face - Wai Yan

Script

Hi everyone! I am Wai Yan from S2-05 and today I am recording a podcast (an audio one evidently) to explain some problems or dilemmas Journalists of today face, especially the ethic-related problems/ issues.

Like I said, journalists have a 'code of conducts' that they have to follow. it 's not a lawful thing or whatever (except for some though) but it's something ethical, something really "humane". This codes consist of seeking and reporting the truth, minimizing harm (on anyone), being independent as well as being accountable.

With this 'Code of Ethics', there comes problems and journalists face some perplexity or dilemmas. There is a group of ethical dilemmas that are rather commonly faced by journalists at many points of their time in their life as journalists. It is e known as the "Seven Ethical Dilemmas Journalists Face". There are seven of it as stated in the header, varying from 'conflict of interests', 'plagiarism', 'anonymous sources', 'offending or distasteful content', 'invasion of privacy', 'bias' and 'commitment to accuracy'.

In my opinion, the most important of these seven is the writers 'commitment to accuracy', 'plagiarism' and the journalist's wrong usage of words. 

Starting with the very first one, the writer's commitment to accuracy is to me, one of the most important, or might very well be THE most important of the three, ultimately the seven. A journalist's very main job is to deliver to you information which is true, or in other words, correct and precise information. So if the factor of accuracy is compromised in the information or resources he delivers, is that still journalism? I don't think so and this is why I feel that this factor is of utmost importance to the other factors as it determines a journalist whether he is a 'legitimate' journalist or not, as it determines the definition of journalism. Always remember, not publishing information is almost always better than publishing inaccurate information.

Coming up second, plagiarism is a very serious offense, especially in the aspect of journalism. As members of society, we have learn to acknowledge other's work and not STEAL them. It's important to the point that even students are required to follow as well.

And lastly, the most basic but important factor of the seven is the journalist's usage of words. It's perfectly fine when the journalist uses the right (good) ones but it becomes an issue when he don't. This is because as a journalist, you are required to be formal (not literally though) in the sense that you have to know how to talk or so called 'communicate' with the mass public. Not using vulgarities or profanities or just inappropriate language is a clear example. 

That's all for now. Thank you.