Journalism and Ethics - Essay Example

Journalism and Ethics Since its inception, the media has played an extremely imperative role in the overall protection ofhuman rights (Goodhart, p. 83). Generally, the media offers an ideal platform that enable different voices to be heard thus becoming the society’s mirror, a tool used to expose human rights violations. As such, the media is an indispensable addition to the powers of the legislature, executive, and the judiciary and it is thus not pointless that from time to time, it has been referred to as the Fourth Estate.

Nonetheless, the power that the media holds can at times be abused and tainted to the degree that its very core duty of protecting the people’s democracy is threatened. In fact, this factor has made some media outlets to turn into propaganda bullhorns for dangerous and corrupt politicians in power. In addition, other outlets have even been used as vehicles of inciting violence and xenophobic against vulnerable groups of individuals and the minorities. Essentially, the media outlet Democracy Now!

Was established in 1996, becoming the solitary broadcasting company that was devoted to cover and inform the public on the precedents of the presidential elections. The outlet basically began as an investigation on why most people, by then, did not seem to actively participate in or care about political activities and politics respectively. For that reason, the outlet gathered enthralling stories all of which pointed out that democratic activities were not getting any media coverage. The outlet thus focused on this deserted region, broadcasting elections and other democratic functions.

Today, Democracy Now! Broadcasts on averagely over 850 television and radio stations internationally as well as through the use of an online platform. Comparatively, ethical journalism is concerned in the way through which various parties such as editors, presenters, anchors and reporters deliver commentary on issues which can shape the lives of people in the society. Ethical journalism is thus rooted in moral values and thus journalists, as well as governments, should ensure that they work towards improving journalism as well as improving the rights and standards of human beings.

Democracy Now! Reveals the importance of ethical journalism through its insistence on media independence and democracy. For true democracy to come into effect, there is need for the citizens to gain access to both independent and diverse sources of information and news. Notably important, Democracy Now! Tends to use various methods that can enable it to be as independent as possible. For instance, as much as it follows ethical standards such as providing fairness and transparency, Democracy Now!

Does not accept funding from corporate underwritings, government or advertisers. In fact, the outlet gets most of its funding through contributions from viewers, foundations and viewers. This factor thus limits external interference of other people such as politicians towards the news and information that the outlet publishes or discloses. Furthermore, Democracy Now! Provides content in terms of news that is quite useful, relevant, and valuable. For instance, the article by Naomi Klein and Johann Hari on whether capitalism drives drug addiction is not only a valuable piece of information, but also very relevant (Goodman & González, 2015).

For instance, drug abuse and drug addiction is an issue that has mostly affected the youths for quite a long period of time. Hari engages Klein in a highly important and intellectual conversation which provides the public with important information on how to deal with issues of drug addiction and drug abuse. Furthermore, the outlet provides up to date information that ensures that the citizen gain free access to the information of what is happening in their world. The media thus plays an enormously significant role in the growth of an upright and elite society.

It is thus important for every media outlet to ensure that it carries out ethical journalism though consistently practicing of ethical measures that would feed the public with appropriate information. Democracy Now! Is an illustration of an ideal media outlet since it provides self-regulated information which is truthful and seeks to minimize harm as much as possible. Furthermore, the outlet acts independently and highly upholds the concepts of transparency and accountability. Every media outlet should thus follow Democracy Now’s example in order to create a society that is truthfully enlightened on what is happening in their world.

Works Cited Goodhart, Michael E. Human Rights: Politics and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print. Goodman Army and Gonzalez, Juan. Johann Hari & Naomi Klein: Does Capitalism Drive Drug Addiction? Democracy Now! 11 March. 2015. Web. 24 March 2015. .