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

Ethical news media During the Vietnam WarDuring the Vietnam War, a rift between brass officials and diarists emerged. The American government felt the need, for various reasons, to censor many war developments. In an go about to act ethically, the press fought the censors, trying their hardest to report the truth to the general public. disrespect 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 victor Journalists (SPJ) provides a very clear and thorough Code of morals, which serves as a good definition of ethical journalism. According to this code, an ethical journalist mustinessiness try to minimize any potential harm d hotshot to passel directly involved with the event being reported. Such a journalist should also act independently of any personal biases, and be antiphonal to any criticism of their work. Finally, a truly et hical journalist must seek to find and report the truth (Society). Common sense reaffirms these guidelines. When one thinks of ethical behavior, one usually thinks along terms of being truthful, thankful of others, acting responsively and using fair judgement. All of these concepts are explicitly give tongue to in the SPJs Code of Ethics. Minimizing harm done by journalism in times of war is a difficult task. Naturally, there are bits of selective 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 Uncensored War. peeled York Oxford University Press, 1986. Janson, Donald. Police Assault on 21 new-madesmen in Chicago argon Denounced by Officials and Papers. New York Ti mes 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 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. emphasis of Police Decried by Callers. New York Times August 29, 1968 21.