/files/3125989/JRN352_Media_Ethics_syllabus_Spring_2026.pdf

Why media ethics? What happens with society if media ethics principles are not followed? What role has media ethics played in the history of journalism? Is this role changing? What are the guidelines for today’s media organisations? What can we do when state or other players are spreading misinformation, lies or half-truths? What is propaganda and how can it be resisted? What are the obligations of the state towards a free media? Does this differ at different times and places? Is there still a role for the traditional “gatekeepers”? Does the term “public-service media” still have meaning? Do private and commercial media organizations have an obligation to be balanced? Is there such a thing as truth in journalism? How do we check facts? Is it possible to avoid bias and hidden prejudice? Is there a gap between what we are saying as journalists and what we think we are saying? What are the responsibilities of the individual journalist? What are the dangers of self-censorship and of collective self-censorship? How do we apply our own moral compass? What are the obligations of the journalist in times of conflict? How do we juggle with information, entertainment, sensation and persuasion? 

These are all things that we need to bear in mind in discussing media ethics.

          Many studies suggest that media freedom is in decline in countries across the world –but at the same time we have access to more sources than ever before. What are the paradoxes and contradictions of today’s media world?