“What are the ethical considerations that a journalist must take into account before publishing content online?”
What are ethics? That is the first thing a journalist should ask itself before publishing anything online. Ethics are the moral concepts of what is wrong or right or how to conduct one's behavior in a field required. Every field has rules that one has to follow for any profession. After understanding a journalist ought to research code and ethics of the journalism profession. The South African Press code provides code of ethics and conduct for South African Print and Online Media. According to section 16 of the Bill of Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes: a) Freedom of the press and other media; b) Freedom to receive and impart information or ideas; c) Freedom of artistic creativity; and Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research. The right in subsection (1) does not extend to: a) Propaganda for war; b) Incitement of imminent violence; orc) Advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm. The media strive to hold these rights in trust for the country’s citizens; and they are subject to the same rights and duties as the individual.” It is important that a journalist understand the press code and abide by the ethical standards and understand the consequences of not following them. As much as journalist are entitled to freedom of speech, they also need to account every piece of information they may find and post online for the public to see.
Ethical issues online include plagiarism. Plagiarism is stealing a person's words and presenting them as your own. It is seen as a criminal offence to publish work and not credit the author. These laws also apply when posting photos online “Using an image, video or piece of music in a work you have produced without receiving proper permission or providing appropriate citation is plagiarism. The following activities are very common today. Despite their popularity, they still count as plagiarism”. All videos and photos posted on your online site must be credited to the photographer. There are copyright laws that regulate and protect peoples work. The same way as your words and posts belong to you ,we wouldn't want anyone using them as their own.
A journalist's most important obligation is to be honest and unfair also unbiased. According to the press code “The media shall take care to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly.’’ One should tell the truth even if they do not like it or agree with it. Writing should not have sides the reader must understand both sides of the story or the angle you are sharing. It matters not if they like it or not. Personal opinions should not apply when it comes to reporting news. Avoid stereotyping and commenting on sensitive issues including race preference, sex and gender. South African news sites on twitter tend to not mention or show pictures offenders. An article about the ‘Dros’ case mentions why his identity cannot be revealed https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/2014932/why-the-media-cannot-yet-reveal-the-identity-of-the-dros-rapist/ . The Criminal Procedure Act states: “Section 154(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act states only that no person shall publish information which may reveal the identity of an accused or of a witness at criminal proceedings who is under the age of 18”.
Online Journalists must take into consideration they use a credible website for readers to use. The information posted need to be properly researched, online journalism sometimes looks like a race every site wants to be the first to break a story to the public. For example, the disappearance of Naya Rivera a popular American actress who went missing on July 8, several hours after she rented a boat with her 4-year-old son at Lake Piru. A search and rescue team were assigned to find her body as she was presumed dead. On July 13th the county sheriff's department announced they had found a body at the lake. A popular American site TMZ broke the news and assumed that it was the popular actress's body. At the time department was yet to hold a press conference to confirm whether it was or not. The article was seen as insensitive on twitter, the family knew nothing about the recovered body. It is important to have credible and truthful information.
A headline online should not mislead reader, the information on your website or news site should correspond. Headlines that are misleading are known as ‘’fake news’’ here is a link of fake news article https://buzzsouthafrica.com/fake-news-south-africa/ . Be sensitive when reporting stories that are centered around grief and murder. Make sure that the story will not cause any controversy or discomfort around reader. Be careful when reporting stories about influential and people of prominence. Respect state and private information there are laws Online journalists can reference an online story to give their reader more information it is important to credit the author of the story the website, and date of the story. Statistical information can be turned into bar graphs and pie charts on news sites it is the journalist's responsibility to find credible information on government sites like census http://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=3836.
Online journalists must tell the truth and be honest in their reporting. Avoid taking bribes from people who want their stories online or twisting it for money. Journalism might be the toughest industry to get a good pay. Dignity and credibility are the first priority to being a respected journalist. Make sure your news site or blog represents your stories. Do proper research before posting anything online. Avoid getting in fights with internet trolls state your story stick to it. It is best to avoid commenting and adding personal opinions. Do not find yourself on the wrong side of the law make sur you understand people's rights when reporting. Know which stories are for online and for print. Online stories are much shorter and more of breaking news. Credit authors and photographers if it requires. Captivate your audience with your writing skills make sure you build a relationship with them by being consistent with your stories.
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