LibGuides: Media Literacy: Media Ethics

Ethics in Media

Media Ethics is a wide-ranging field. Just a few of the topics upon which it might touch include:

Advertising Ethics
Conflicts of Interest
Human Dignity in the Media
Intellectual Property Rights
Journalistic Ethics
Media Censorship
Privacy Rights
Technology and Workforce Transitions

Core values often mentioned in discussions of media ethics include integrity, truth, freedom of expression, impartiality, fairness, accuracy, and societal concerns for appropriate treatment of elements such as graphic sexuality or violence in a given culture.

Froehlich, T. (Dec. 2024) "A Brief History of Information Ethics". BID
A short overview of information ethics in general, or which media ethics is a sub-division.
The New York Times. (March 26, 2025). "Ethical Journalism: A Handbook of Values and Practices for the News and Opinion Departments."
In seven short chapters The New York Times outlines best practices for its reporters and pundits.
Society of Professional Journalists. (2014). "SPJ Code of Ethics"
SPJ identifies four basic principles if ethical journalism: 1) Seek Truth and Report It; 2) Minimize Harm; 3) Act Independently; 4) Be Accountable and Transparent.