Real-World Media Ethics

CHAPTER 8

Journalism and Ethics

By Jeffrey Brody

In this chapter, let’s take a look at some of the issues that confront journalists as they grapple with ethics. We can begin on Melrose Place in Los Angeles where the word has gone out that actress Tori Spelling is hosting a party at a popular teahouse. Outside, throngs of photographers, a scruffy lot in jeans and sweats, swarm by the security guard, poised for action. Someone spots an actress—Michele Rodriguez—and the paparazzi (Figure 8-1) surround her, shooting fusillades of photos. It’s a feeding frenzy for the paparazzi. Rodriguez takes it in stride. Passing motorists glare at them. They are the same “entertainment journalists” who have contributed to automobile accidents, even ...