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Journalism: Going down the tubes?

© Mai Hoang

Seems like 1998/1999 was a major bad year for journalism.

Patricia Smith, columnist of the Boston Globe, resigned after admitting that she faked four columns. To add insult to injury, the journalism community recently nominated her for a Pulizter Prize .

Another Boston Globe columnist, Mike Barnicle, was suspended for using jokes without permission in one column. He then resign after admitting to making up a column about a athlete taking steroids.

Phillip Glass, a writer of the New Republic (Philadelphia), was fired for faking columns as well.

It would be nice to say that these are only a few examples. These, however, are just one of many examples of bad ethics in the journalism world.

With all these bad journalism ethics, how can one pick this as a career? Well, people still do it, some in hopes of proving to the world that journalism is not a trashy career.

That is actually my personal motavation. I have promised myself many times that I would be ethical and balanced. I hope that many potential journalists have done the same. Here is some ways to start.

1. Read books on libel and ethics.

One way to fight ethics and libel is to learn about ethics and libel! There are many books that can help you know more about such topics. One of places you can start is The Associated Press Libel Manual. By knowing the information, you are better prepared to save youself from having bad ethics or libel.

2. THINK!

Before writing something, think to yourself, "does this work?"; "is it appropiate?"; "does it go with the standards of journalism?" If you think of these things before you write, you'll save a lot of pain in the long run.

3. Know your limits.

Once you know you'll limits, you will be free to do what you are allowed to do. Believe it or not, restricting yourself will free you up for writing a good and accurate article.

These steps are a start. But remember: there is a lot to think about with ethics and libel. Remember, journalism is meant to tell the truth, not a bunch of lies.

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