The meaning of images are interpreted by the reader from the way the visuals are positioned within the situational context (Kress & Van Leewen 2006). It could differ from person to person. Journalists must be able to foresee in what different ways the majority of the people will interpret the visuals in the image. One such unfortunate situation was when Malaysia’s Berita Harian had published the cartoon shown below with the intention of creating some amusement in the minds of the readers. But the cartoonist had failed to visualize the situational context and that the readers were actually sympathizing with Japan and would find it distasteful. There had been a massive outcry from the general public on the insensitivity of the newspaper and demanded a public apology. The reputation of the newspaper was at stake. The Editor did apologize (Mei 2011).
Irrespective of the form of media all professional journalists are expected to conduct themselves ethically just like other professionals. The Society of Professional Journalists has issued a code of ethics for their members which have been accepted voluntarily. The principles included are ‘Seek Truth and Report It’, ‘Minimize Harm’, ‘Act Independently’ and ‘Be Accountable’ (SPJ Code of Ethics n.d.).
1) Seek Truth and Report It.
Journalists must be honest, fair and have courage to report the truth.
2) Minimize Harm
A journalist is expected to give due respect to the sources, objects and colleagues in carrying out their duties. Must be compassionate and sensitive to all those who are adversely affected by the situations. It has been stated in it that pursuit of news is not a license for arrogance.
3) Act Independently
A journalist is expected to carry out unbiased reporting. He should not have any conflict of interests. He has to respect the fact that the public has a right to know the truth.
4) Be Accountable
He should be able to accept responsibility for any work carried out as a journalists and be able to furnish any editorial information as required.
It is now clear to me that in the Berita Harjan Cartoon case the journalists had failed follow the code of ethics and had exposed themselves to a critical situation. With by experience with blogs I have realized the importance of ethical behavior required from us being students in communication.
References
‘ SPJ Code of Ethics’, no d, Society of Professional Journalists, Available at < http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp >
Kress, G. &Van Leewen, T, 2006, Reading Images: The Grammer of Visual Design, edn. 2, Routledge, London
Mei, W. P, 2011, Berita Harian issues public apology over tsunami cartoon, The star online, Available at , http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/14/nation/8262608&sec=nation
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