Report violations of journalists' ethics [View All]

[Liberty Belle]

Ethics Hotline
Ethics > Ethics Hotline


CALL 317/927.8000 x208

Society of Professional Journalists

Also read the SPJ code of ethics at www.spj.org

It clearly says that journalists should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Apparently those columnists on the Bush dole never read these standards. Use of outside materials (ie propaganda) not labeled as such is also unethical, along with other practices that seem to be commonplace among our media.

While this hotline is designed mainly for journalists seeking advice on an ethical dilemma, I think we should call it to report flagrant ethical violations by professional journalists--and ask SPJ to take action. They should put some teeth into the standards, so they could expel members who violate ethics standards, especially more than once. They might also send a letter to all media outlets with a copy of the ethical standards, reminding them that it would be a good idea for journalists to abide by the ethical standards establishesd for the profession.

Is anyone a member of SPJ? Are there membership rosters available to look up if certain prominent violaters of ethical standards are SPJ members? If so, please bring it to the attention of the SPJ top officials.