Ethics of Investigations

The readings this week brought up a variety of questions so poignant to our field of work but also so relevant to our upcoming assignments. The writings on the ethics of investigative reporting mentioned a lot of factors that journalists must consider before pursuing certain investigations. I liked that one of the very first points the book mentioned was that just because a journalism practice is legal, does not mean that it is always ethical. The author went on to mention how journalists serve the public and have to make these tough calls on whether to publish or withhold certain information from the members of the public. As a guardian of a public good it is so important to follow ethical protocols because you always want to make sure you maintain a positive, helpful and open relationship with members of the public as they serve as an audience but also journalists' sources and story subjects. You don't want to risk compromising your relationship with the public for one improperly-pursued story where you took advantage of the trust they once gave to you. I thought it was funny when in the section "Golden Rule," the author flipped the script and got readers thinking how they would feel if journalistic investigations were secretly held against them in their own newsrooms! Yikes!

As a journalist you should always weigh what the story's purpose is and whether or not that purpose has a positive value for the public's welfare and knowledge that is greater than the harm it may bring to an individual. Can you as a journalist justify your actions? These are important things to ponder and while journalists often try to disconnect with their stories and think objectively, at times it is important to be humanistic and feel emotion and listen to the personal conscience as guide. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, you probably shouldn't do it.

As I begin requesting records for my HFR package, I will definitely use the flow chart that is shown in "Strategies for Effective Requests." That will be a great guide in what my next steps should be whether I get approval for the request or whether it is denied! The mock letter that our guest speaker sent to us via email will be my reference when it comes to writing my own requests. As the book notes, I will do my best to be clear and specific to expedite the process.