Media Ethics Today

Should news reporters express political opinions on their personal Twitter accounts? Are advertisements that look like news deceptive or simply creative? How much public relations “spin” is appropriate when communicating during an environmental crisis?

Media Ethics Today: Issues, Analysis, Solutions charts a thoughtful path through increasingly complex ethical issues faced by today’s journalism, advertising, and public relations practitioners. The book lays a foundation for ethical decision making in mass media by focusing on fundamental values and examining their application to each field. It explores current issues involving privacy, deception, plagiarism, and diversity; analyzes dilemmas arising from the use of digital imagery; and discusses social media’s implications for public engagement, from citizen journalism to consumer reviews.

Rich in real-world examples of success and failure, the book helps aspiring media practitioners learn to identify ethical concerns and employ practical templates for making sound decisions. Designed to provoke debate and guide problem solving, Media Ethics Today will add an important dimension to courses in communication ethics, journalism, and strategic communication.