Ethics and Journalism

Their are many ethical rules and legal guidelines journalists must face when attempting to cover any story. Following these rules is very important in your growth as a writer because if you cheat one just one time you'll start down a slippery slope only the likes of Steven Glass know about.

The number one thing for all journalists is to remain objective. You are there to cover the story form every and any angle not the one that will write the best or get you the most note from your bosses. As a journalists you owe it to the reader to keep it that way.

Another major point I picked up was to stay fair, To the readers the people you report about and most of all yourself. If you don't feel 100% comfortable with what the story, or Quote is saying don't pass it along. it sounds simple but often people claim they were misquoted and because of that they story took a very different turn.

The final important rule i picked up is most definitely not the least important. That is to be accurate, thsi relates to teh rule above but also in your fact checking, editing and even in quoting you need to double and triple check your notes. more work now will result in an honset, hardworking reputation.