Media Ethics - Where do we draw the line?

I have stumbled upon several unethical publications on the Web in recent years. This leads to the questioning of where we draw the line between what is ethical what is not. It is to no surprise that this radio transcript on ABC Radio National has sparked my interest.

This show was featured on the ABC Radio National channel under The Media Report, a show hosted by Antony Funnell on the 6th of Novemeber 2008.The featured guest on the show was Dr Ellie Rennie, a researcher at Swinburne University. This transcript highlights the issue of ethical publishing amongst giant corporations such as YouTube and NewsCorp. In addition, it touches on the need for a system to rate the level of so-called ethics of publications (Funnell 2008).

The main issue to be discussed is the ethics of publications. Schriver (1997) noted that readers can make a fully enriched meaning of a reading only when the representations are not narrowed. Therefore, this justifies that unlawful removal of web publications does not do good for readers to construct meaning for themselves.

As proven by Kieran (1997, pp.1), media ethics are an increasing concern over many media skeptics pertaining to web media. We must hold media ethics in the highest of esteems as only through open media publications, journalistic openness and accountability can be cultivated. Therefore, the question of where we draw the line remains subjective to interpretation and should gain consent from all parties regardless of culture and background.


References

Funnell, A 2008, Ethical labeling and the web, The Media Report, ABC Radio National, viewed 11 November 2008, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2409990.htm

Kieran, M 1997, A philosophical approach, Greenwood Publishing Group, United States of America

Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York