Ethical Journalism During the Vietnam War Essay -- Vietnam War Essays

Ethical Journalism During the Vietnam WarDuring the Vietnam War, a rift surrounded by government officials and journalists emerged. The American government felt the need, for various reasons, to censor m each another(prenominal) war developments. In an attempt to act ethically, the press fought the censors, trying their hardest to study the righteousness to the general public. Despite claims of bias and distortion by some(prenominal) prominent government officials, these journalists acted completely ethically, allowing the general public to obtain a fair, informed opinion. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) provides a very clear and gross(a) Code of Ethics, which serves as a good definition of ethical journalism. harmonize to this code, an ethical journalist must try to minimize any capableness harm through to people directly involved with the event creation reported. Such a journalist should also act independently of any personal biases, and be responsive to any c riticism of their work. Finally, a rightfully ethical journalist must seek to find and report the truth (Society). Common sense reaffirms these guidelines. When one thinks of ethical behavior, one usually thinks on terms of being truthful, appreciative of others, acting responsively and using fair judgement. totally of these concepts are explicitly stated in the SPJs Code of Ethics. Minimizing harm done by journalism in times of war is a problematical task. Naturally, there are bits of information that the government needs to keep hole-and-corner(a) for one reason or another. There is also the danger of victims stories being exploited and sensationalized. The SPJs Code of Ethics recommends that journalists should treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings creditable of respect (Society). During the extreme... ...t 29, 1968 71. Hallin, Daniel C. The Uncensored War. parvenu York Oxford University Press, 1986. Janson, Donald. Police Assault on 21 Newsmen in Chicago Are Denounced by Officials and Papers. New York measure distinguished 28, 1968 36. Kenworthy, E W. Agnew Says TV Networks are Distorting the News. New York Times November 14, 1969 1-2. Kifner, John. On the thoroughfare to Chicago With Some Protestors. New York Times August 23, 1968 22. Mitchell, Michael C. Television and The Vietnam War. ocean War College Review 37.3 (1989) 42-52. Nixon, Richard. No More Vietnams. New York Arbor House, 1985. Roberts, Steven V. McCarthy stem Seeks to Put Antiwar Candidate on Ballot. New York Times August 22, 1968 1. The Parties Respond. New York Times March 17, 1968 E12. Violence of Police Decried by Callers. New York Times August 29, 1968 21.