Ethics in Journalism

A Media-Savvy Killer

How should a newspaper, or other media outlet, handle communications from someone who says he’s guilty of multiple sensational crimes? And how much should it cooperate with law enforcement authorities?

The article above discusses a murderer who publicizes his crimes through social media, and various news sources. This murderer, named BTK, contacts news papers and news stations telling them about his crimes.

In my opinion, the news sources should not publish information about the murderers crime. The criminal is getting what he wants, because of the news. It is also disrespectful to the victims and their families. No one wants a newspaper glorifying the murder of their family member. On the other hand, the police would find use of this information. The newspaper should work directly with the police to prevent more crimes from occurring. Giving the murderer the attention he wants will work out badly in the long run.

The Sting

Is it ethically defensible to employ such a sting tactic? Should you buy into the agenda of an advocacy group — even if it’s an agenda as worthy as this one?

This article analyzes an issue where news stations are trying to lure people into traps that would make them sex offenders. The journalists set up an online chat posing as under age girls and try to catch someone in the act.

This poses an interesting question of ethics for journalists. I don't believe this is an ethical "sting". It is good to know about potential sex offenders, but they shouldn't pose as someone and try to persuade them to do these immoral things. These journalists are doing anything for a controversial story, but they need to know where to draw the line.

Who’s the “Predator”?

If your newspaper or television station were approached by Perverted Justice to participate in a “sting” designed to identify real and potential perverts, should you go along, or say, “No thanks”? Was NBC reporting the news or creating it?

This article reviews recent "stings" that have occurred on shows such as Dateline. The news castors pursue sex offenders and pose as adolescents who invite these people to their homes.

I find this tactic potentially dangerous. Luring strange men and women into peoples homes could end in disaster. Also, they are causing problems that might not have happened before. It is possible that what they are doing has benefits, but how far are they willing to go to get a good story? They're provoking people and putting themselves in danger. This practice should be stopped before something bad happens.