Accuracy; journalism works with fact based information however, it is not just about delivering information. It’s about providing facts for the purpose of knowledge and education. It’s a public exchange with the community where we, as the providers of this knowledge, need to ensure it’s accuracy. There should be no deceptive handling of facts. This is particularly pertinent in today’s digital age where fake news has had huge impacts on things such as the US Presidential Election. Fake news is not a new tool of manipulation. Its the way it can be so quickly and easily distributed through digital channels that creates such an enormous isssue for today’s consumer of digital information.
Impartiality also needs to be exercised. There is more than one side to a story. As practitioner’s of journalism, we are responsible for looking and thinking about what the different sides and opinions are to our stories. We then need to ask how we make the story whole and well rounded. Impartiality was not exercised during the US Election and whole swathes of voters felt their voice was not being heard.
Humanity is another core value required for a journalist in these times. We need to be aware of the consequences of what we publish and broadcast. Words and images can do damage and be harmful to people. As journalists, we should be not be causing undue harm. We are in this profession to protect people. This means not entering in to hate speech. Even though we are journalists, we are also part of a humanitarian process.
With the ease of which content can be created and sent out in to the ether these days, ensuring all information has been fact checked and is accurate is highly important. If information is found to be incorrect once it’s been published, updating this information as quickly as possible is of high importance.
“Fast is good. But right is better.” – Margaret Sullivan, public Editor for the New York Times
Ensuring impartiality through the digital age means regarding all differing opinions and idea’s with detachment. Speaking to many different people quickly through digital formats assists in getting a story out there more quickly whilst providing a balanced range of voices.
With the broadcast of information online, many voices are able to access and comment on content. Approaching these potentially flammable scenarios with humanity and ensuring no added fuel for the fire displays core journalistic values.
