Journalism Ethics & Professionalism
Here you'll learn about objectivity and fairness, libel law and the First Amendment, and how to avoid plagiarism and copyright violations.
The First Amendment and Press Freedom
The Freedoms Guaranteed By The Constitution
The Freedoms Guaranteed By The Constitution
Press Freedom Around the World
This map from Freedom House shows where the press is free - and where it's not.
This map from Freedom House shows where the press is free - and where it's not.
A Code of Conduct For Reporters
Rules To Live By On The Job
Rules To Live By On The Job
Objectivity and Fairness
Keeping Your Opinions Out of the Story
Keeping Your Opinions Out of the Story
The White House vs. Fox News
Is the Conservative Network a Political Operation or a News Organization?
Is the Conservative Network a Political Operation or a News Organization?
FOX News, MSNBC and Journalistic Objectivity
The Difference Between Objective Reporting and Opinion-Mongering
The Difference Between Objective Reporting and Opinion-Mongering
Both Fox News and CNN Made Mistakes in Tea Party Protest Coverage
Cheerleading and Browbeating Are Not Objective Reporting
Cheerleading and Browbeating Are Not Objective Reporting
AP Decision to Distribute Photo of Dying Marine Stirs Controversy
The Associated Press has stirred controversy with its decision to distribute a photograph of a dying Marine in Afghanistan. The photo shows fellow Marines tending to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard just after he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade in southern Afghanistan. Bernard was seriously injured and died later.
The Associated Press has stirred controversy with its decision to distribute a photograph of a dying Marine in Afghanistan. The photo shows fellow Marines tending to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard just after he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade in southern Afghanistan. Bernard was seriously injured and died later.
Why Should the Public Be So Shielded From the Horrors of War?
From Bull Run to Khe Sanh, The Associated Press has been covering war for more than 160 years. And that coverage has almost always included graphic images of death on the battlefield. But since the Vietnam War, the U.S. military has placed restrictions on war correspondents that have resulted in fewer of those images reaching the public. Critics say the effect has been to sanitize war.
From Bull Run to Khe Sanh, The Associated Press has been covering war for more than 160 years. And that coverage has almost always included graphic images of death on the battlefield. But since the Vietnam War, the U.S. military has placed restrictions on war correspondents that have resulted in fewer of those images reaching the public. Critics say the effect has been to sanitize war.
Study Says Early Press Coverage of Obama is Positive
President Barack Obama received mostly positive press coverage in his first two months in office, a study finds.
President Barack Obama received mostly positive press coverage in his first two months in office, a study finds.
Press Coverage of McCain Was "Heavily Unfavorable," Study Finds
A study that tracked campaign news for the six weeks following the conventions through the final debate, found that coverage of Sen. John McCain was "heavily unfavorable." "Unfavorable stories about McCain outweighed favorable ones by a factor of more than three to one — the most unfavorable of all four candidates," the study said.
A study that tracked campaign news for the six weeks following the conventions through the final debate, found that coverage of Sen. John McCain was "heavily unfavorable." "Unfavorable stories about McCain outweighed favorable ones by a factor of more than three to one — the most unfavorable of all four candidates," the study said.
House Passes Limited Protection for Journalists Shielding Sources
The House passes a bill that would give limited protection in federal court to reporters who choose not to reveal confidential information or sources. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., chief sponsor of the Free Flow of Information Act, said sources won't give reporters important information if they're worried that their identities could be revealed.
The House passes a bill that would give limited protection in federal court to reporters who choose not to reveal confidential information or sources. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., chief sponsor of the Free Flow of Information Act, said sources won't give reporters important information if they're worried that their identities could be revealed.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Journalism
Don't Make the Mistake of Citing Another Reporter's Work As Your Own
Don't Make the Mistake of Citing Another Reporter's Work As Your Own
Libel Basics
Here's what you need to know to avoid libel and libel lawsuits.
Here's what you need to know to avoid libel and libel lawsuits.
When Should Reporters Cooperate With Law Enforcement?
Should Reporters Publish Stories That Could Jeopardize Criminal Investigations?
Should Reporters Publish Stories That Could Jeopardize Criminal Investigations?
In Wake of Times Story, SPJ Calls on NBC To Cut Ties With McCaffrey
The NBC military analyst has ties to defense contractors
The NBC military analyst has ties to defense contractors
Pentagon Lifts Ban on News Media Pictures of Coffins
The Defense Department lifted an 18-year-old ban on the news media photographing the flag-draped caskets of fallen U.S. soldiers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Defense Secretary Robert Gates decided to allow photos of the caskets if the families of the dead agree.
The Defense Department lifted an 18-year-old ban on the news media photographing the flag-draped caskets of fallen U.S. soldiers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Defense Secretary Robert Gates decided to allow photos of the caskets if the families of the dead agree.