Mr
What responsibility does the press have in keeping the public informed while at the same time, respecting the privacy and sensibility of individuals?The press has the power to influence virtually all areas of our lives. Words and images are combined to produce various messages and meanings. All that is presented to us undoubtedly has an effect; whether it be positive, negative or neutral. In some countries the press is seen as an instrument for exposing the truth, and in others it is seen as an obstacle to the truth and a mechanism for propaganda.The Press Council is an industry-funded body designed to ensure journalistic standards and to deal with complaints concerning the press. The body does not have any power to enforce punishment on those who do not comply with the set standards. The Council relies on voluntary adherence to the standards and the admission of mistakes publicly. It is virtually impossible for the press, in all situations to follow all principles set out by the Press Council. Press Council Principle No. 3 states that "readers of publications are entitled to have news and comments presented to them honestly and fairly and with the respect for the privacy and sensibility of individuals". It
If a sex scandal needs to be exposed then it must be reported honestly, and as fairly as possible. The politician has given up the right to keep his/her private life separate and distinct from his/her public life. Staff of the station later admitted that the images were unnecessary, not newsworthy, and should not have been aired. When emotional distress leads to the courtroom: extreme behaviour by news media is rare. In order to clinch the photograph that most graphically conveys the grief of the scene a photographer may take several rolls of film of several different families. Most 'newsworthy' stories that are broadcast by the media revolve around tragedy. If these are confirmed reports (as opposed to rumours and allegations), then it is the responsibility of the press to inform the public above and beyond protecting the privacy of that individual. 3 has good intentions, but can it really be taken into account in all situations? Definitely not. further states that "the right to privacy should not prevent publication of matters of public record or obvious of significant public interest. Hypocrisy and double standards revealed by public figures such as politicians should also not be tolerated, and therefore exposed by the press. Andrew Belsey (1992), in Ethical Issues in Journalism and the Media states that there are three groups of individuals: personalities (identified as those who are created and sustained by publicity), people who are involuntarily forced into the public eye, and politicians (and those of similar power status in society).
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Acceptance Essays
