Question

A reporter is covering a protest at a local chemical plant suspected of dumping toxic chemicals into the water supply. The reporter interviews a 17-year-old protester on camera. The protester says, "I am concerned for our health—all of us who drink or bathe with this water are at risk. And we need to think about the harm being done to the environment.”

Later, the protester's mother calls and says that her daughter, a minor, regrets speaking to the reporter on camera. The mother asks the news station not to air the interview.

Which parts of the SPJ code of ethics should be considered when deciding whether to air the interview? Check all that apply.

Act independently because money is involved.
Be accountable because the story seems to be untrue.
Be transparent because it is not clear who made the statements.
Minimize harm because the protester might be affected by the interview.
Seek truth because the protester made a statement about a major issue.

Answer 1

4,5 is correct

just took the test

Answer 2

They should Minimize harm because the protester might be affected by the interview and it would Seek truth because the protester made a statement about a major issue.

Option {4,5}

EXPLANATION:

Ethics means moral principles of people that help them in making important decisions in life. 'SPJ code of Ethics' means journalists should find out the truth and only report that. Ethical journalism means that the information that is shared is fair, accurate and honest.

So, while airing the interview journalists should weigh the outcome of the published interview as local people might be affected by the broadcast and try minimizing the harm. Seek Truth because the point made in the given passage is a serious environmental issue.