Ethical Principles in Journalism: A Comprehensive Guide for Media Law Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle that journalists should adhere to?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and fabrication

Answer

Accuracy and adherence to facts

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Fairness and inclusivity

Question 2

Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the use of anonymous sources in journalism.

Analyze the potential advantages and disadvantages, and propose guidelines for the ethical utilization of anonymous sources.

Accepted Answer

The ethical use of anonymous sources necessitates a thorough assessment of the potential benefits and drawbacks, along with the establishment of guidelines for responsible usage.

Answer

Anonymous sources should be categorically avoided as they compromise journalistic integrity.

Answer

Journalists should prioritize using anonymous sources to safeguard the privacy of their sources.

Answer

The use of anonymous sources is inherently unethical and should be strictly prohibited.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Fairness

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of objectivity in journalism?

Accepted Answer

To present facts without bias or personal opinions

Answer

To advocate for a particular viewpoint

Answer

To protect sources and confidential information

Answer

To ensure equal representation of all sides in a story

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a legal defence against defamation in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Malice

Answer

Truth

Answer

Public interest

Answer

Fair comment

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Editors' Code of Practice in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To establish ethical guidelines for journalists

Answer

To regulate the content of newspapers and magazines

Answer

To protect journalists from prosecution

Answer

To promote freedom of expression without any ethical considerations

Question 7

How does the concept of 'harm' guide ethical journalism?

Accepted Answer

It encourages journalists to avoid causing unnecessary harm to individuals

Answer

It allows journalists to publish information that may harm public figures

Answer

It provides a legal defence against defamation claims

Answer

It is not a relevant consideration in ethical journalism

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Impartiality

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of the principle of impartiality in journalism?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that news reports are free from personal bias and present a balanced perspective

Answer

To protect sources from harm

Answer

To maintain the trust of the public

Answer

To prioritize accuracy above all else

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ethical journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and bias

Answer

Truthfulness and accuracy

Answer

Integrity and accountability

Answer

Objectivity and fairness

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered an ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Fairness

Question 12

What is the significance of the 'Golden Rule' in journalism?

Accepted Answer

To treat others as one would wish to be treated

Answer

To ensure accurate and ethical reporting

Answer

To protect the rights of individuals involved in news stories

Answer

To promote cultural sensitivity in media coverage

Question 13

How can journalists effectively balance the need for accuracy with the potential harm that reporting may cause?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly verifying information before publishing and considering the potential consequences

Answer

Prioritizing sensationalism to attract readers, even if it compromises accuracy

Answer

Protecting sources at all costs, regardless of the impact on accuracy

Answer

Avoiding reporting on sensitive topics altogether to prevent potential harm

Question 14

How does the public contribute to upholding ethical standards in journalism?

Accepted Answer

The public can actively promote ethical journalism by providing feedback and engaging with journalists and news organizations.

Answer

The public solely relies on government regulators to ensure ethical journalism.

Answer

The public's primary means of upholding journalistic ethics is to boycott unethical news organizations.

Answer

The public assumes no responsibility in maintaining journalism's ethical practices; it solely rests with journalists.

Question 15

In journalism, ethical principles vary across different cultural and legal contexts. Compare and contrast the ethical principles of objectivity and privacy in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, objectivity is emphasized more than privacy, while in the United Kingdom, privacy is emphasized more than objectivity.

Answer

In both the United States and the United Kingdom, objectivity and privacy are equally emphasized.

Answer

In the United States, privacy is emphasized more than objectivity, while in the United Kingdom, objectivity is emphasized more than privacy.

Answer

Neither objectivity nor privacy is emphasized in either the United States or the United Kingdom.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Respect for privacy

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Question 18

In the realm of journalism ethics, which theory holds that the best action is the one that produces the most good for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT considered a core ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential consequence of biased reporting?

Accepted Answer

Erosion of public trust

Answer

Greater accuracy in future news coverage

Answer

Increased advertising revenue

Answer

Enhanced reputation of the journalist

Question 21

According to the UK Code of Conduct for Newspapers, journalists have a duty to:

Accepted Answer

Protect confidential sources

Answer

Publish the most salacious stories

Answer

Ignore stories that may damage powerful individuals

Answer

Prioritize their personal interests

Question 22

Which of the following is a key element of objectivity in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Presenting multiple perspectives

Answer

Focusing primarily on sensational events

Answer

Including the journalist's personal opinions

Answer

Ignoring opposing viewpoints

Question 23

What is the primary purpose of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

To guide journalists in their professional conduct

Answer

To suppress freedom of the press

Answer

To shield journalists from legal consequences

Answer

To reward journalists for excellence

Question 24

What is the fundamental principle underlying the concept of 'fairness' in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Giving equal attention to different perspectives

Answer

Presenting only the facts that support a particular narrative

Answer

Including commentary that favors the journalist's preferred viewpoint

Answer

Ignoring opinions that contradict the journalist's own

Question 25

Which of the following is a potential benefit of ethical journalism?

Accepted Answer

Increased public trust in the media

Answer

Higher advertising revenue

Answer

Legal immunity for the news organization

Answer

Personal recognition for the journalist

Question 26

What is the ultimate goal of ethical journalism?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public accurately and fairly

Answer

To entertain the audience

Answer

To promote a specific political ideology

Answer

To protect the interests of the journalist