“Competence and Confidence.”

Enroll in “Ethics of Journalism” at newsu.org by clicking here . Be sure to answer each
item thoroughly.
1. In the box titled “Browse the Course,” click on “Decision-Making Process – Doing
Ethics” and then on “Competence and Confidence.”
Answer the following questions based on reading this:
– When is the best time to deal with an ethical issue? (1 point)
– How should a reporter start the ethical decision-making process? (1 point)
– What is the minimum number of alternative decisions to consider when dealing with an
ethical dilemma? (1 point)
– Should reporters discuss their ethical decision-making with other reporters and with
persons they trust who are not journalists? Explain. (1 point)
2. Now click on “Beyond the Gut,” which is also in “Decision-Making Process – Doing
Ethics.”
Answer these questions:
Are gut reactions in ethics situations always wrong? Explain. (1 point)
Should reporters always obey the professional codes of ethics? Explain. (1 point)
What is the highest level of decision-making in journalistic ethics? Explain. (1 point)
3. In “Questions for Ethical Decision-Making,” read through the 20 questions before
proceeding. (no points, but these will be helpful)
4. In the section titled “Guiding Principles,” list and explain the three principles. The
principles are listed on one page and explained in depth on the pages following. (3
points)
5. In “Ethics in Practice,” explain what is meant by “accuracy” and what is meant by
“fairness.” (2 points)
Also under “Ethics in Practice,” click on “Conflicts of Interest” and then “CASE STUDY:
Reebok.” After reading the Summary and Analysis, click on the Discussion Questions
and answer all three sets. (6 points)
Still in “Ethics in Practice,” click on “Deception” and then “CASE STUDY: Masquerading
as a Mortician.” After reading the Summary and Analysis, explain your thinking as to
whether deception was justified in this case, and whether, as an editor, you would have
run the story. (2 points)