News Ethics

The Sting

        Summary-  Reporters for Perverted-Justice.com go on internet chat rooms and lure men into sexually explicit content with underage girls and boys. This website take the pictures the men send and of the conversation and post them on their website. The game has spread and recently Local Kansas news station rented out a warehouse and had volunteers message men and lured the ones who responded to the "teens." Out of all the ones who were talked to 16 men had shown up at the warehouse as the camera crew waited to record them. Eventually one of the men who was targeted filed a lawsuit claiming he was miss represented as a pedophile costing him his job.

         Opinion- I do not think it ethical that the reporters exposed the man on camera possibly without his permission. even though at the end of the story it says they could have done this to protect the people in the community I do not think that is the reason, I believe they did it just for money and ratings. Which for that reason it is very wrong but i would never buy into a story like that since it still so wrong but they could reported those people potentially to the police if they wanted to protect the community, but they exposed the men on Tv instead.

Publishing Drunk Drivers' Photos 

             Summary- A news paper editor in Anderson County, Kentucky Issued  a new policy for the newspaper on December 1, 1997. The policy was that anyone that had been convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) would have their mugshot, name, address, and conviction posted in the newspaper at the start of the new year.People were ashamed as well as their families when their photos were posted. Some went as far as Killing themselves to not have their photos posted.

         Opinion- I think that a newspaper does have the right to post this information but maybe not peoples address with it. Although some may think it will prevent intoxicated driving I do not think it does that. I just think it is more of an embarrassment and extra punishment.

Naming victims Of Sex Crimes

         Summary-  Many younger and teenage children have gone through the tragic event of being sexually abused. when and if the child has been found the media is all over the event and makes sure to cover the whole event. Some kids may reject to talk about their experiences tot the media, some are forced by their parents maybe, and others openly talk about it t the media depending on the situation.

         Opinion- I think a child who has been sexually abused should make their own choice on whether they would like to be exploited all over the media or if they would rather stay anonymous or not talk at all. I also think it depends on the parent, they have a say in what they want for their child.  The Child in the one who had experienced the traumatic event and if they never want to talk or see about it ever again they should not have to.