Ethical Dilemmas

*Note that this is script is not accurate

~ Conflict of interest

• This happens when you interview someone whom you may have close ties with, close enough that they trust you in one way or another
• For example, you are a journalist that interviews this manager involved in a food poisoning case
• He happens to be your older brother
• it is alright to interview him, as he represents the company involved in this incident. It would be reliable to interview either him or a spokesperson. 
• But he has close relations with you, hence he may take advantage of that and plead you to give a twist to the interview (make the story milder by saying better things of him)
• You may then distort the truth
• This then compromises trust between you and the audience. Even if nothing was distorted, people would still think that  there may have been change.
• They cannot trust you and you are unable to prove to them; the interview would not be transparent

~ Invasion of privacy

• This is widely practiced by the paparazzi. 
• Involves going to far lengths in acquiring, let’s say, photos of scandalous celebrities 
• You may be waiting on their front lawn, scaling their walls, just for a close up shot 
• This is an invasion of privacy; their homes are meant to be shelter not only for the elements, but also a place where they retreat undisturbed.
• The person has his/her right to privacy and cannot be intruded by journalists who want scoops (it makes more money)
• Every person has a right to have privacy hence try to keep in mind where you are currently at (if you are at his/her residence, try to stay away from doors and windows and remain at the sidewalk or corridor)

~ Bias

• Being more inclined to a certain side (race, religion)
• Discrimination may hurt them
• I know everyone has preferences and likings
• However, reporting of news has to be factual
• Hence it is not ethical to side with the one you prefer
• This may influence people due to their trust in the media and lead to further disturbance to the present situation (racial issues)
• Our manner of writing may be affected by our mindset and hence reporting facts is more important than opinion
• We should try to be as impartial as possible and take caution when writing such controversial articles