Journalism Professional Ethics

Author compliments high standard of ethics which has been practiced by the Journalists and highlights the decline seen during the commercial era, focused on market economy where media has to go by commercial viability and profi tability. This sometimes put pressure on the journalists to cover news and write what can excite the public. Often scandals, sensationalism, violence, vulgarity etc. get preference. Juicy stories, fi lm stars and other celebrities, crime and communal violence occupy more space than the achievements of honest people. Sacrifi ces of brave shoulders, good police offi cials and law enforcement persons and justice focused judiciary, excellence in teaching, public service and the like are not highlighted adequaely. The author warns that reporting of violent incidents, highlighting only violence trigger more violence and needs to be moderated. The need for young journalists is to identify role model journalists who fi ght pressures and report news in ethical way. He suggests the need for emphasizing ethics in academic courses in journalism and the need for upskilling and certifi cation for the media managers and journalists to follow ethical reporting to avoid violence and encourage harmony.