Ethics of Journalism

Reflection:

Understanding the intricate workings of journalism is indispensable.

Unfamiliarity with ethical guidelines and legal regulations can result in detrimental consequences, including legal liabilities and a loss of credibility. Mastery of ethical principles and professional standards is imperative for journalists to navigate the complexities of media landscapes effectively. Educating journalists on the dos and don’ts fosters a culture of responsibility and integrity, ensuring their success and maintaining the trust of their audience.

Incorporating Ethical Standards on the Sidelines:

During one memorable instance while sideline reporting with Kyle Youmans up in the booth of the Cowboys media team, I encountered a pivotal lesson in sports journalism ethics. Amid a heated game between Lebanon Trail and Heritage High School, I mistakenly misclassified an injured player, announcing on the broadcast that he would be returning to the game. However, to my surprise, the player didn’t return to the game and came out of the halftime break in crutches from the tunnel. This incident served as a “welcome to journalism“ moment and a reminder of the weight of our words as journalists and the impact of our reporting on athletes, teams, and audiences alike.

Following the game, Youmans, who was doing play-by-play during the game, demonstrated exceptional professionalism by reaching out to discuss the incident and its implications. His guidance and insight emphasized the importance of accuracy, critical analysis, and ethical conduct in sports reporting. Reflecting on this experience, I recognized the profound responsibility that accompanies journalistic endeavors, particularly in the dynamic realm of sports broadcasting. That day shifted my perspective not only as a sportscaster but as a person as well. It made me well aware of the fact that mistakes in my future career are inevitable and the best way to handle them is to identify them and move on.

Interviewing Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney:

Participating in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Broadcast Production Team at Frisco High School offered a profound opportunity to engage with local figures such as Mayor Jeff Cheney. Through our collective efforts and connections, we orchestrated a private, multi-camera interview session with Mayor Cheney in the comfort of his home. This endeavor required meticulous planning and coordination, underscoring the gravity of responsible journalism within our educational pursuits.

Designating Mayor Cheney as our "Local Hero" aligned perfectly with the BPA Broadcast rubric's objective of spotlighting community figures. Prior to the interview, extensive preparation was paramount. Collaboratively crafting a set of questions with Mayor Cheney ensured alignment with his messaging and preferences, a critical consideration given his prominent role in the community. This conscientious approach reflected our commitment to ethical reporting and professionalism, setting a standard for our journalistic endeavors while exploring the booming growth of Frisco over the last couple of years.

Reaching out to coaches for interview access:

With the FSN program growing, expanding “on-air” opportunities has been an added bonus. With that, there come certain responsibilities, that a real pro has to handle, such as coordinating sideline hits for a live stream, when coaches will be available scheduling during a given game, or scheduling as a journalist for an entire district, what time/days work best for myself and my crew to come in and interview coaches athletes and players.

Jackson’s Takeaways from the Laws and Ethics of Journalism:

• Upholding ethical standards is paramount

• Commitment to accuracy and accountability

• Learning from mistakes is essential in improving