The third week 13 reading!

1. I would tell the source that I would attend the dinner on the conditions that I paid for myself. I would do this because accepting gifts or bribes is unethical according to the MEAA code of ethics (AJA, 1996) and although a dinner bill is not really technically a bribe, you never know how it may be interpreted by others. So as Conley and Lamble suggest, I would pay for myself to ensure my “independence and integrity” (2006, p.398) are maintained. The fact that the newspaper would not reimburse my costs does not worry me.
Conley and Lamble (2006) also note that journalists should understand that if they accept a gift from a source, that person may believe that they will consequently receive favourable coverage. Because of this, I would also make it clear to the source that there are no guarantees that the information they provide me with will be published.

2. In this situation I would tell the truth regardless of the complications it may cause in regards to the advertising contract. I would do this because according to the MEAA code of ethics, it is a journalist’s responsibility to “report news with honesty” and to not “distort the truth” (AJA, 1996). Also, according to Conley and Lamble (2006), “journalists who write travel features have special responsibilities, not only to openly reveal any sponsorship of travel, meals and accommodation, but also to be totally honest with their readers in their assessments of resorts and destinations” (p.397).
Finally, the demands made by the airline to change my copy are outrageous. This would be clearly unethical and as a result, I would not allow them to do so. My reputation as a journalist is far more important than an advertising contract.

3. I would most definitely compose a correction for publication. This question states that a source has told me there was an error in my story. It does not however, state that the source is a person who is affected by the error. This means that in time, those whose reputations are tarnished by the error could discover it and consequently report it to the APC.
Also, you must always consider why you are being asked to do something. The fact that the source insisted I not publish a correction and asked me to publish a separate story based on a new angle is suspicious. Obviously they have underlying motives and due to this, I would try and figure out what they are.
In the end, I would say goodbye to my pay rise and compose the correction. Once again, the loss of a pay rise is far better than the loss of my reputation and possibly, my job.

4. I actually laughed when I read this question. Could the circumstances have gotten any worse?
The age of the defendant is not stated. Although she is a teenager, is she 18 years or older? If she is 17 or under, she cannot legally be named within the paper. If however, she is over 18 years old which I am presuming she is, I would suggest to the girl that she applies for the judge to suppress her name.
According to Conley and Lamble (2006), “Sometimes defendants who say their lives and reputations will be ruined by publication of their names will make an application to the court” (p. 250). Conley and Lamble also note however, that “unless there are major, extenuating circumstances, such requests are usually denied” (p. 250). If this was the case, I would have no choice but to report the case because it would be unfair towards other people who have been charged with similar offences which have been reported. Also, although it sounds harsh, if the girl was so concerned about her reputation why did she resort to prostitution in the first place?

Journalism Issue.
A journalism issue I found of interest this week was the issue of conflicts of interest that can arise while working as a journalist.
Conley and Lamble (2006) propose that there are ethical complications of living in small communities when reporting news. This is because there is often the scenario where everyone knows everyone along with their business and this makes it hard to report accurately without offending people or allowing emotions to influence your writing.
They note that “Journalists can hardly avoid being part of their community” (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p.396).
I come from Maitland and this is most definitely the case. Although it is one of the fastest growing regions in the Hunter, everyone is linked either socially or in the form of relationships. I thought this would make it easier for me to be a journalist for say, The Maitland Mercury as I have ties with several reliable sources seeing as I work as a lifeguard, have attended three different schools in the area and also work for a community after-school care group. In some instances it will, however after reading this chapter, I have realised that it may also make it difficult because I must ensure I don’t let my personal opinions influence my stories.
This chapter raises the question, “ Is it reasonable to expect a journalist to give up his career and livelihood if their spouse or another close relative is elected mayor or becomes superintendent?” (Conely & Lamble, 2006, p.396).
I think that in relation to ensuring your work is ethical no, because although it would be difficult not to let your feelings influence your writing, as a professional you must not allow it to happen. In regards to family relationships however, it may be required for you to leave your job because you may be forced to report the negative actions of your family member, consequently affecting your relationship.
It’s a difficult situation and all I can say is that I hope it’s one I do not have to face.
References:

Conley, D., & Lamble, S. (2006). Ethical journalism: Is it an oxymoron? In Conley, D., & Lamble, S. (Eds.), The daily miracle: An introduction to journalism. (3rd ed). (pp. 373-407). Victoria: Oxford

Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Australian Journalists' Association (1996). Ethics review commitee final report. Retrieved August 10, 2007, from http://www.gwb.com.au/99a/ethics.html.