Ethical Journalism During the Vietnam War Essay -- Vietnam War Essays

Ethical Journalism During the Vietnam WarDuring the Vietnam War, a rift between governing officials and journalists emerged. The American government felt the need, for various reasons, to censor many war developments. In an attempt to act ethically, the press fought the censors, trying their hardest to report the truth to the general public. Despite claims of bias and distortion by several prominent government officials, these journalists acted completely ethically, allowing the general public to obtain a fair, informed opinion. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) provides a very clear and thorough Code of Ethics, which serves as a good definition of ethical journalism. According to this code, an ethical journalist must try to minimize any potential harm make to people instanter involved with the event being reported. Such a journalist should also act independently of any personal biases, and be responsive to any criticism of their work. Finally, a truly ethical journa list must seek to find and report the truth (Society). Common sense reaffirms these guidelines. When oneness thinks of ethical behavior, one normally thinks along terms of being truthful, appreciative of others, acting responsively and using fair judgement. All of these concepts atomic number 18 explicitly stated in the SPJs Code of Ethics. Minimizing harm done by journalism in times of war is a difficult task. Naturally, there are bits of information that the government needs to keep secret for one reason or another. There is also the danger of victims stories being exploited and sensationalized. The SPJs Code of Ethics recommends that journalists should treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings worthy of respect (Society). During the extreme... ...t 29, 1968 71. Hallin, Daniel C. The unexpurgated War. New York Oxford University Press, 1986. Janson, Donald. Police Assault on 21 Newsmen in Chicago Are Denounced by Officials and Papers. New York Times August 28, 1968 36. Kenworthy, E W. Agnew Says TV Networks are Distorting the News. New York Times November 14, 1969 1-2. Kifner, John. On the Road to Chicago With Some Protestors. New York Times August 23, 1968 22. Mitchell, Michael C. Television and The Vietnam War. Naval War College Review 37.3 (1989) 42-52. Nixon, Richard. No more(prenominal) Vietnams. New York Arbor House, 1985. Roberts, Steven V. McCarthy Group Seeks to Put Antiwar Candidate on Ballot. New York Times August 22, 1968 1. The Parties Respond. New York Times March 17, 1968 E12. Violence of Police Decried by Callers. New York Times August 29, 1968 21.