Socrates said, "The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing. " I must be really smart because the older I get the less I think I know.
I have listened over the past few days to newscasters who find it within their realm of wisdom to pontificate on the problems of the world. I often times wonder what experiences they have gleaned from life that make them experts on so many fields. Could it be their educations, or maybe their vast exposure to all educational disciplines? Or maybe it is from listening so intently when others talk. That once was the greatest qualification a reporter could possess but, unfortunately most of the pontificating readers of the news seldom develop this all important attribute of the trade. Maybe, just maybe it is self proclaimed wisdom and knowledge.
I know when a child is asked why they often say "just because" and when a parent is asked a tough question the answer is often, "because I said so." I am saying all of this because I sincerely hope that this is not the reasoning behind the news show hosts' knowledge base.
I don't consider myself too awfully smart but when I hear some of these guys and gals (from the right, the left and in the center ) speak regarding those rare things with which I do have knowledge or experience, I too often hear them stating partial truths, incomplete facts misguiding statements and, though I hope it is not true, out-and-out lies.
I thought it might be good to see what the Society of Professional Journalist have to say about the subject of ethics in journalism. Here are a few excerpts from their website: ( I hope you will take the time to visit their site @ https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp and read it all to see if you think they are policing themselves in the way they "state" they should)
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.
- Seek Truth and Report ItJournalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
- Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
- Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
- Act IndependentlyJournalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.
- Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
- Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
- Be AccountableJournalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.
- Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
- Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.
https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Copyright © 1996-2012 Society of Professional Journalists. All Rights Reserved. Legal Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center, 3909 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
I will leave you with this quote: “In the English language, it all comes down to this: Twenty-six letters, when combined correctly, can create magic. Twenty-six letters form the foundation of a free, informed society.” ― John Grogan
Until next time...John
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