A word on ethics

In considering the traditional philosophical frameworks used to understand ethics, utilitarianism is a good foundation for a news organization's ethical code. Simply put, the utilitarian view of ethical decision making is to opt for the greatest good for the greatest number. The consequences of the act are important in deciding whether or not it is ethical, and no one’s well-being is valued more than anyone else’s. Utilitarianism is a flexible philosophy that may allow journalists to justify shadowy writing and reporting techniques if that's the only way to get the truth for a story the public needs to hear. One problem is that it's difficult to foresee all the ramifications of an act, and journalists cannot make a habit of deceiving their sources.

Immanuel Kant’s ethical principles, on the other hand, may be too restrictive as the backbone of a newsroom's ethical code. Kant would have us act as if the principle underlying our actions would become universal law. So journalists could never justify lying or invading someone’s privacy to get the truth.

There should be some ethical middle ground. While journalists need freedom to gather information, deceptive reporting techniques should not exceed what the law permits and should only be used if the information cannot be obtained by other reasonable means.