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Project Jenny KLIK - 1st Inf Di v Women in Vietnam RELATED-- To AFVN To Saigon To Vietnam Further Afield Index
From: Frank Rogers
Dated: January 26, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
Many thanks for sending this.
From: Frank Rogers
Dated: January 25, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
Group,
There is an oath for doctors, but does anyone know if there is an oath or code for journalists, possibly taught at schools like the Missouri School of Journalism?
I have often noticed, for example, how leaders are told to “shake hands” or pose for photographers. Should journalists tell their subjects to do anything? What about leading questions or giving an answer you want them to repeat? And why, with all the technology today, cannot there be microphones for reporters so their questions can be heard by the media audience?
Just wondering.
Frank
From: Paul Kasper
Dated: January 24, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
The American press is negligent and derelict in its duty. Shortly after founding the Missouri School of Journalism in 1906, Walter Williams wrote a code of ethics known as The Journalist’s Creed. I would be surprised if even a small majority of journalists have ever heard of it let alone read it or strive to work by it in their daily profession, though it stands in bronze at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for all to see. How many walk by it daily without a second thought?
The Journalist’s Creed
I believe in the profession of Journalism.
I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of responsibility, trustees for the public; that all acceptance of lesser service than the public service is a betrayal of this trust.
I believe that clear thinking, clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.
I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.
I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.
I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one’s own pocket book is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s dividends.
I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.
I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best-and best deserves success-fears God and honors man; is stoutly independent; unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power; constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of the privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as law, an honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalism of humanity, of and for today’s world.
It isn’t perfect, but neither is the profession occupied by imperfect human beings. That, however, does not excuse the blatant disregard for most of the tenets of this creed by our current broadcast media, print media, and news organizations.
I challenge any and all who call themselves journalists, at any and all professional levels to read the creed and then perform a sincere inventory of his or her journalistic practices. This country needs a voice it can believe, verify, and trust. Who will be the journalists to accept that charge? Who will follow the creed and all other ethical codes of conduct?
Please step forward. Now.
From: Walt Christiansen
Dated: January 25, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
Send this to all the journalists you know.
AFVN Group Conversations
Journalism Oath (Journalist's Creed)
January 2017
From: Steve Pennington
Dated: January 25, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
Thank you so much for sharing.
Steve
From: Frank Rogers
Dated: January 26, 2017
Subject: Journalism Oath
Group,
I wonder if the U of MO Journalist’s Creed has been taught or mentioned at DINFOS.
Frank