Creative Editing
Chapter 7
Exercises 2-6
2. Read Exercise 1 at the end of Chapter 6. What ethical concerns are involved in this case? Write a brief statement either defending or criticizing the newsgathering tactics used by the reporter.
3. Use the three newsroom scenarios outlined on pp. 193 of this chapter as the starting point for a discussion about editors and ethics. Reason through each example, using the Potter box and your own values and moral standards. Then attempt to invoke one of the philosophical principles mentioned in the chapter (Kant, Mill or Aristotle) or name one of your own to help justify your ethical decision. Discuss your views in class.
4. Name five things you would do to help your hometown newspaper become more credible than it is. Share your ideas in class.
5. Reread the section in this chapter on situational ethics. Then try to find examples of stories in the newspaper for which the senior editors probably would have drafted a policy, such as listing the cause of death in obituaries or identifying juvenile crime suspects. Share your findings in class.
6. A magazine reveals that 25 years ago Stephen Goodman was released from prison after serving a 10-year term on a conviction of molesting children. During the past 25 years, Goodman has been an outstanding citizen in town and has been honored for his volunteer work with children. Goodman's family, friends and business associates were unaware of his past criminal conviction. What are the ethical implications of publishing this information?
| BACK TO PREVIOUS EXERCISE |