Ethics in Writing

Gracie Smith
MSMU Class of 2027

(3/2024) Ethical journalism is something that is treasured. Although, 40 years ago ethical journalism was far more common than it is now. Ethical journalism, according to the Society of Professional Journalism, can be summed up as the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. Reporters and writers have turned to writing about what is liked and favored rather than sharing the truth. They have turned to reporting drama and altering the news to get more people to read their work. As a result of this, the public cannot trust the news for anything. Edward R. Murrow is the perfect example of what it means to be a reporter. He not only models for us the honesty and integrity desired by all those who seek news, but he shows us what it means to have an unshakeable character with beliefs so firm that nothing can change them. In doing so, Murrow captivates more people by sharing the much-needed truth.

Ethical journalism is essential in today’s society where media is corrupt. People struggle every day to obtain news that is factual and accurate. Having to work to receive news that used to be easily provided is pitiful. The importance of keeping the truth alive is a necessity for a society dependent on the voice of the public. Our democracy cannot live off the lies the media feeds us. The truth is priceless, yet reporters still alter it so that they can get more views on their work. I ask, what is this doing to improve society? How can a reporter so easily feed lies to the public? It’s immoral. This makes me wonder something deeper; why don’t reporters so freely share the truth? What is stopping them? The truth is something that the public will always desire, and the lies that the media feeds us will never be enough to satisfy us until we know the truth.

Not only is the truth something that our society craves, but it is the basis of all our actions. When we hear something new, we act on it. If we are told something false, whether we are aware of it being false or not, we still act on it. The more we keep reacting to the false information—fake news—the more apart we become as a society. Ethical journalism is crucial so that the right decisions, actions, and people can make a difference. Without the truth, we will never be able to prevent, protect, defend, and decide on the right things to better our towns, cities, states, and nation. Murrow understood this and acted on it when he put the betterment of society ahead of his career. Reporters and writers nationwide need to understand the importance of their jobs and their influence on the people who read and depend on their work.

Contrary to Murrow’s grasp of influence, I fear that current reporters and writers who provide information to the public are unaware of how much influence they have not only on the people, but on their opinions. This idea is extremely important, if not the most important in journalism. Murrow was aware of the influence his words had on the public and he chose to provide the people with the truth rather than the lies others told him to write. Reporters are seen as credible sources from the public. By this, I mean that the public automatically depends on the reporters to tell the truth. The amount of power a reporter has is underestimated. It is imperative that reporters do what is morally good and write the truth since the public already puts their faith in them to do so.

To finish, I wanted to talk about why ethical journalism is important to me as a developing writer. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a reporter. I loved the idea of people reading my articles and receiving news from me. So much so, that I even had my own typewriter to practice. When writing my articles, I strive to be as accurate, clear, and fair as possible. The importance of unbiased writing goes hand in hand with truthful writing. The ability to write to inform is my job, not the ability to persuade. Reporters all around are writing for the wrong reasons and for that, I think it necessary for them to recall what it means to be a reporter. The importance of writing and reporting ethically is our job. What kind of reporters would we be if all we wrote were lies? How can I be proud of my work when I know that all of it is fake? Edward Murrow stands as a model to all journalists so that we can remember why we do what we do, and to remind us of the importance our writing has on communities.

With that being said, it makes me proud that I am not one of the reporters Murrow was so highly against. It makes me appreciate the reporters who do tell the truth. They are bettering their communities whether they realize it or not. They are influencing their readers whether they realize it or not. The impact they have on their communities and the people who read their work is something that they will never understand since they cannot physically see it. However, we know it’s there. Ethical reporters rest easy knowing that their writings are true, thorough, and fair. Ethical reporters are free from the guilt that other reporters may or may not feel when they write their articles of lies. Taking the opportunity to appreciate those who report the truth when faced with terrible consequences are the heroes of our communities. We never know what kind of backlash they may or may not receive for reporting the truth—as truth is the most powerful weapon. Ethical reporters are the pillars of our future, just as Edward Murrow said they would be.