Ng Keen Yung - Ethical Dilemmas

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Of the seven ethical dilemmas that journalists face, I feel that the conflict of interest, offensive or distasteful content and the use of anonymous sources are the most important. A conflict of interest may occur when your personal relationships with the interviewee affect your objectivity as a journalist. For example, If you hold a grudge against the person you are interviewing, you will probably try to make the him or her look bad during the interview. Reporting offensive or distasteful content can affect some readers or viewers. This includes swear words, extreme violence and gore. One must always try to avoid showing images or footage of such content unless no other alternative can be found. If that is the case, then they should be censored and a warning should be given beforehand. Lastly, we have the use of anonymous sources. The use of anonymous sources is common, but knowing when to protect the identity  of the source is important. The journalist must check if there are no other alternative ways of acquiring the information needed and the information's value. For example, a testimony about a restaurant should not be allowed to remain anonymous, but an eyewitness who is being interviewed about a murder should be granted anonymity. In short, grant the person you are interviewing anonymity only if it regards important and potentially sensitive information that could endanger the job or safety of the interviewee.