Ethical Media: Important?

www.deliberation.info/who-is-running-the-western-mainstream-media/

           Most people nowadays know how to use different high-tech gadgets that were introduced by science, although not all. Each of these persons uses technologies, equipment and devices for different purposes. However, it can be easily observed that not all people are using these materials properly.

Improper usage can be due to some factors such as; criminal usage that tend to harm the mankind, and also unawareness, which can create an environment for victimization! What’s the evidence? Have you heard terms such as; burglary, cyber-stalking and libel? According to Harper Collins dictionary, “Burglary is defined as the act of entering other premises with the intent to commit theft, rape or bodily damage; “cyber-stalking is a crime in which the attacker harasses a victim using electronic communication”; while libel refers to a “published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation whether through print, radio or television.” These are just some of the possible crimes that can be committed through technology. In fact, there are many reported cases about these. Specifically, these crime cases happen through the wrong usage of media, since communication through media can reach large numbers of people. So everyone can be a victim or a criminal.

http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/eu-media-futures-forum

In order for the public to avoid these harsh situations, everybody must know the rules that can guide and lead the conduct of each person who tends to use the media. In short, we must be aware of ethics. That is because ethics, as well as Media ethics, tend to put standards in every decision or action while using media or being in media; just like the “Journalist’s Code of Ethics”.  These codes serve as the regulations for the journalists but the public are also the beneficiaries. How? Just like for example, the 1^st Journalist’s code of Ethics states that, “I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care neither to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.” So by obeying this code, journalists may serve truly and honestly to the public; same as to those ordinary people who often share information through media. Crime cases such as libel can be prevented.

            Therefore, having knowledge about ethics when it comes to media are not just for those who study Mass Communication, but for all mankind in the society who uses technology or media to communicate.

photo by Telmarc Media Station