Anderholm 1

Paige Anderholm
Professor Bret
RC 2001
2 November 2015
Journalism in Social Critique
How one gets their news depends on a few things- socio-economic standing, political
stance, physical location; what that news is depends on similar, if not the same, variables. The
role of journalism and the media in informing the general public about events, locally and
globally, is incredibly important but at the same time delicate. How can one report without
summarizing too much when there is an almost infinite amount of things to cover around the
world? What takes priority? What are the standards in reporting, writing, photography? The best
way to create change in the world is by starting a conversation. But one has to make sure that
conversation is truthful and offering a holistic perspective. There are real world consequences
that occur if a journalist ignores ethical standards and instead abuses their position of power.
There are many news sources, societies, journals, and organizations dedicated to
upholding ethics within journalism. Ultimately, they all seek to provide unbiased, in-depth
knowledge for a general audience who is pursuing a better understanding of the world around
them. For example, the Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to creating an
environment where journalism can be practiced freely and fully, while at the same time
encouraging high standards and adherence to a set of ethical guidelines (Society of Professional
Journalists). Their code of ethics is built upon the belief that public engagement is the catalyst of
justice and the foundation of democracy. The ethical journalist must seek truth and report it,

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minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. These four principles
serve as a guideline for anyone in the journalism field, regardless of medium.
National Public Radio has an ethics handbook as well, though it varies slightly. NPR
journalists, including those in NPR podcasts and shows, must uphold the following in their
reporting: accuracy, fairness, completeness, honesty, impartiality, transparency, accountability,
respect, and excellence. These guiding values are intimately correlated with the stations
mission- to create a more informed public, that not only seeks the information on various
events, ideas, and culture, nationally and globally, but also wants a deeper understanding;
essentially, people who are not satisfied after a cursory glance (NPR Ethics Handbook).
The guiding ethical principles of the Society of Professional Journalists and National
Public Radio are just two examples what journalistic ethical codes look like. But how does one
ensure that the news they are taking in is following these idealistic, seemingly lofty, principles?
In a culture where the majority of people get their news from social media, click bait, and
polarizing and obviously politically-oriented news sources, it is incredibly hard to accomplish
the mission of NPR and the Society of Professional Journalists. This makes the importance of
every inclusion and exclusion in a story all the more crucial.
The integrity of journalism is reliant upon the writers honesty, bias, and inclusion of fact.
An article, written by Walter Dean of the American Press Institute, explores the meaning of bias
and its integral purpose in journalism. When the term bias is used, one typically thinks of
negatives like the polarizing reporting of Fox News. Consequently, in recent years, journalists try
again and again to prove that their work is unbiased (Dean, Understanding Bias). Dean
argues, however, that bias should be acknowledged by the journalist. Bias is what builds the
work. It is within the decision of what is included and excluded. It is embedded in the culture

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and language of the society on which the journalist reports (Dean, Understanding Bias).
Acknowledging that bias does, in fact, showcase the journalists background as well as the
beliefs of the news organization, will add to the narrative of a story and showcase conflicting
opinions within a community. By fostering the acknowledgement of bias in a story, Dean
believes that it will be better managed and used only when appropriate, ultimately making the
journalists work stronger and more reliable.
In the Los Angeles Times article, Fixing Stereotypes in News Photos, written by Shelly
Rodgers and Esther Thorson, the existence of stereotypes within news photographs is studied.
The study defines a stereotype as an oversimplified opinion (Rodgers, Thorson). With
stereotypes relating to ethnicity, gender and age in the media having been an issue that dates
back decades, the conversation is not new. However, as the medias reach encroaches ever
further, it is becomingly increasingly important to address their usage. Rodgers and Thorson state
that in the specific instance of stereotyping in news photos that the victims- women and
minorities, drop newspaper subscriptions much more than the Caucasian male (Rodgers,
Thorson). This discussion can be linked with a book, Journalism and PR, written by Jim
Macnamara who asserts that the omnipresence of promotion in much media and popular
culture is the reason behind the almost constant use of and reliance on stereotypes in reporting
(Macnamara, xvi).
Learning how to curb the usage of stereotypes is now more important than ever as the
members of the world need to lean upon their neighbors. Ethical and unethical journalism has a
tangible, real world impact on many vulnerable peoples throughout the world. For example,
since the outbreak of civil war in March 2011, it is estimated that some nine million Syrian
refugees have fled their homes and unfortunately, whether or not they receive aid depends upon

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their public image. President Barack Obama announced Monday morning that the United States
has to step up and do its part and recommitted the country to resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees
in the next year. This comes in the wake of 31 governors stating that they will not allow any
more Syrian refugees in their states. Many cite the recent terrorist attacks throughout Paris as the
reason for their refusal. Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas stated, My first priority as
Governor is the safety of all Kansans. We must take immediate action to ensure terrorists do not
enter the nation or our state under the guise of refugee resettlement. The recent attacks in Paris
coupled with terrorist organizations indicating a desire to attack the United States are stark
reminders of the dangers every nation faces I have therefore directed all state agencies,
departments, boards, or commissions not to participate or assist in the relocation of Syrian
refugees to Kansas (Frostenson). Comments from citizens in Texas, another state that wants to
refuse Syrian refugees, range from They want to form their own little country within your
country. Thats not acceptable. Thats not the American way. My feeling is they shouldnt let
them in the country, to Even one person among them is a threat. We cannot be benign and
benevolent about these things, or I just think right now for our own safety we just need to
close our borders to them (Burnett). The reasons for these reactions? Snap judgments made by
scared people of off stereotypes that are reinforced in the media.
On Sunday, Senator Ted Cruz called for only the Muslim Syrian refugees to be barred
from entering the country, stating that there is no meaningful risk of Christians committing acts
of terror. If there were a group of radical Christians pledging to murder anyone who had a
different religious view than they, we would have a different national security situation.
Presidential candidate Jeb Bush echoes Cruzs argument, We should focus our efforts as it
relates to refugees on the Christians that are being slaughtered (Zezima). These unreasonable,

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disrespectful, and inhumane comments are encouraged by sensationalistic newspaper titles like
Fox News video, Obama is importing Muslims, but hes deporting Christians (Contrary to
Obama Claim). Not only is this statement false, it is inflammatory and polarizing. It completely
ignores any code of ethic and consequently hurts those rightfully seeking refuge from a war that
is spiraling out of control.
With the tools mentioned in the beginning of the paper, journalism can be used as a tool
for social justice advocacy. By adhering to codes of ethics like those put forth by the Society of
Professional Journalists and National Public Radio, the medias role could shift away from
offering polarizing information that appeals only to those with the same socio-economic
standing, or political stance. However, it cannot be expected that the journalism community will
shift from these alienating practices without pressure from the general public. If people want to
see sensationalism in modern news practices disappear then it must be made apparent that it is
not acceptable at any time, regardless of subject matter.

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Works Cited
Burnett, John. "Texas Governor Joins Dozens Of Others Saying No To Syrian Refugees." NPR.
NPR. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
"Contrary to Obama Claim, US Has History of Admitting Refugees Based on Faith." Fox News.
FOX News Network, 18 Nov. 2015. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Dean, Walter. "Understanding Bias - American Press Institute." American Press Institute RSS.
American Press Institute. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
Frostenson, Sarah. "Here's a Map of Every State Refusing to Accept Syrian Refugees." Vox. Vox
Media, 18 Nov. 2015. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
Macnamara, Jim. "Foreword." Journalism and PR: Unpacking 'spin', Stereotypes and Media
Myths. New York: Peter Lang, 2014. Xvi. Print.
"NPR Ethics Handbook." NPR Ethics Handbook. National Public Radio. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.
Rodgers, Shelly, and Esther Thorson. ""Fixing"; Stereotypes in News Photos: A Synergistic
Approach with the Los Angeles times." Taylor & Francis Online. Atypon Literatum,
2000. Web. 14 Nov. 2015.
"Society of Professional Journalists Improving and Protecting Journalism since 1909." SPJ Code
of Ethics. 6 Sept. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.
"Syrian Refugees." Syrian Refugees. European University Institute, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 18 Nov.
2015.
Zezima, Katie. "Cruz: No Meaningful Risk of Christians Committing Terrorism." Washington
Post. The Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2015. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.