Internet: The final frontier and the ethics of journalism
By RYAN SWANSON
Although the mediums of journalism and news may be constantly changing and evolving over time, many people would like to think that the ethics that go with good journalism remain static. They believe that if the code of journalistic ethics continues to be followed, good journalism can continue to be produced. These values are being questioned as the popularity of the Internet news continues to grow. A study that was done by PBS's show "Frontline," shows that on a typical day, 23% of Americans get their news from the Internet. This study shows that while all other forms of media are losing viewers, the viewing trend of Internet news is on an upward climb.
The development of the Internet does pose some threatening issues with the ethical code to journalism. In the article "Taking ethics to the Net" from The Quill, the author J.D. Lasica points out three major issues that deal with the ethical issues posed by the Internet. They are 1) questionable ways of gathering the news, 2) the credibility of the reporting due to the intense speed, and 3) the ability to stay objective and fair to all people involved in the story.
To start with the first issue, Lasica points out that the stories that are posted on the Internet have an opportunity to do what no other form of media can do. The sources used in the story can be linked to other sites that can give more background information on what is being said. Though the Internet postings may be quick and might lack the amount of reporting that other forms of media go through, they can make sure that the sources are credible by creating these links.
Chris Clonts, who is the online editor for the Pioneer Press, agrees that online journalism can be more accurate.
"They have more credibility because they are more up to date," said Clonts of Internet news sites. "They are more complete."
Lasica addresses the second issue with a comparison to other media outlets. He states that radio and television have breaking news stories that must be delivered just as quickly as stories that are being posted on the internet. The quick story is not a new phenomenon, but rather a technique that has been used for quite awhile now. He also states that though this is true, news organizations have to be careful that they do not get caught up in competing with the other news outlets.
When asked about being competitive with other news outlets, Clonts was quick to admit that their most competitive beat is sports. He said that they are always trying to keep up to date with the sports to try and get it out there before television and radio. This being said, Clonts was sure to point out that the question of ethics never goes unasked.
Clonts described one major incident where they had to make an ethical decision about speed. In the summer of 2007, when the I35W Bridge collapsed, Clonts said that they wanted to confirm the facts before posting on the internet.
At the time he was working for the Star Tribune. This organization was not the first to post a story of the collapse online. Clonts noted that this was a big event and it was important to get the facts straight before posting.
"We wanted to confirm it," said Clonts. "We thought 'this is going to totally freak people out if posted online."
"You never want to be in a position where you're gambling. Speculations need to be attributed," continued Clonts. "Generally people are pretty good at holding off on things."
The third issue seems to be the most problematic to the readers. Clonts addresses this issue.
"With every minute the story is up, judgment on whether the story is fair is in that moment," said Clonts. Because it is being posted quickly, Clonts recognizes that the story may not be balanced, but it is definitely fair. He said that everything that they put up is fact checked. It only becomes not fair if the story remains up for awhile without being updated with new facts.
Although the online newspapers seem to try their best to be accurate and ethically sound, they do make an effort to point out that they are not perfect and should not be held liable for mistakes. The website for the Star Tribune mentions this in their disclaimer.
"While StarTribune.com strives for accuracy, it does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information or database on our service. Nor does StarTribune.com guarantee or warrant that any files available for downloading will be free of defects. Neither the Star Tribune nor any of its information providers shall be liable in any way to you or the other parties for delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the material published in StarTribune.com."
An article by Missy Kelley called "Ethical Challenges in Online News" mentions that the fact that the online editors have the ability to correct themselves immediately can be dangerous. This is because the editor can just make the correction without mentioning that they made one. This creates a feeling for the editors that if they make a mistake, it is not such a big deal.
Becky Glander, the editor of the small community newspaper, the Pine City Pioneer, has had to deal with a problem similar to this. There was a story posted on the paper's website about a woman in a food shelf. Glander said that people wanted to donate money to the poor woman, but the woman might have had ulterior motives.
"Well, it came out that the woman's motives may be questionable," said Glander. "Since the story online lasts forever in the archives, I pulled it off finally after being asked to do so."
This was and example of when fresh news about a story arises that changes the outcome and position of the people involved. This seems to be a difficult problem to deal with for Internet journalism because the story is kept in the archives until something is done about it, like Glander eventually had to do.
In the book The Elements of Journalism, authors Bill Kovach and Tom Rosentiel question the ethics of the news on the Internet. Their problem seems to be more with the blog style of news.
"We are facing the possibility that independent news will be replaced by rumor and self-interested commercialism posing as news," said Kovach and Rosentiel.
In another article from The Quill, author Fred Brown gives an ultimatum for journalism.
"The crucial value of new communications technologies and those who control them is that they be committed to serving democracy, rather than themselves," writes Brown in his article. "Without this commitment to foster social glue, they will push society to fragmentation and the erosion of the nature of citizenship."
The journalism that Clonts does revolves around being ethical. Because of this, he feels that they hardly ever run into any problems.
"We don't bump into the walls very often," said Clonts. "Most of the process is built around ethical issues."
Clonts seems to feel that what he is doing adheres to this ultimatum and that his journalistic elements are just as credible as the other mediums of news.
"As long as responsible people are making the calls, it will work," said Clonts. "The established make it work. The question of ethics never goes unasked here."