http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2009/06/29/ethics-tips-and-more-for-budding-journalists/ Dean Wright on Ethics, Innovation and Values Mon, 09 Apr 2012 01:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2009/06/29/ethics-tips-and-more-for-budding-journalists/comment-page-1/#comment-714 John Hamer Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:39:40 +0000 http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/?p=268#comment-714 Just watched your video and totally agree: Most news consumers don't know whom to trust these days. The explosion of online media makes it extremely difficult. You're right that the basic principles of honesty, fairness, transparency, non-bias, and truth are more important than ever -- especially in the new world of citizen journalism. As Scott Gant's savvy book put it: "We're All Journalists Now." If all those who practice any form of journalism, however defined, would be more transparent, accountable and open about who they are and where they're coming from, credibility and trust might be regained. They should also welcome challenges, correct mistakes promptly and -- perhaps most important -- have a little humility. The Washington News Council (www.wanewscouncil.org) has been promoting these ideas for almost a dozen years now. Journalism is vital to democracy, but it must earn public trust or it will be rendered irrelevant. Just watched your video and totally agree: Most news consumers don’t know whom to trust these days. The explosion of online media makes it extremely difficult. You’re right that the basic principles of honesty, fairness, transparency, non-bias, and truth are more important than ever — especially in the new world of citizen journalism. As Scott Gant’s savvy book put it: “We’re All Journalists Now.” If all those who practice any form of journalism, however defined, would be more transparent, accountable and open about who they are and where they’re coming from, credibility and trust might be regained. They should also welcome challenges, correct mistakes promptly and — perhaps most important — have a little humility. The Washington News Council (www.wanewscouncil.org) has been promoting these ideas for almost a dozen years now. Journalism is vital to democracy, but it must earn public trust or it will be rendered irrelevant.

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