Digital Journalism Ethics

Journalism ethics is the responsible use of the freedom to publish. It is the study and application of ethical norms that should guide the social practice of journalism, in its many technological, cultural, and organizational forms. The norms are constructed with a practical purpose in mind: to help journalists respond thoughtfully and consistently to new or recurring problems in daily practice. These norms take many forms, from an individual journalist’s set of values to a code of ethics for a professional newsroom. This entry discusses the origins of digital journalism ethics and ethical challenges that digital journalism poses. The entry closes with a brief overview of responses to these challenges.

Journalists have duties to perform and norms to honor because, as human beings, they fall under ...