"The Ethics of Mass Communication"
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Abstract

Recent years have seen an unprecedented uncertainty and debate over the ethics of mass media. James Thomson, curator of Nieman fellowships for journalists at Harvard University, detects in experienced journalists increasing doubt - even cynicism - regarding the morality of many accepted media practices. John Birt, associated with ITV in London, notes much more questioning of the morality of television programming in Britain.

One might expect the churches to help in clarifying issues of media ethics. The Catholic Church, for example, has a strong tradition of philosophical analysis of ethical problems. Yet, surprisingly, except in Spain, one finds little involvement of Catholic philosophers and theologians in current discussions of communication ethics. More consistent and serious study of media ethics is going on in Protestant circles, especially in the United States.

The moral guidance of media professionals is regarded by many as a priority work for the church. But there is little consensus on the best method of education in media ethics. As a case in point, the pastoral instruction of the Catholic Church on communication, Communio et Progressior, recommends that professional associations of communicators "draw up codes of ethics." However, many media professionals and leading scholars in media ethics argue that the emphasis on codes has been an obstacle to a reasoned, systematic ethics of mass communication.

The rise of mass-televised entertainment and news poses responsibilities for both the media professionals and the public. This issue of COMMUNICATION RESEARCH TRENDS surveys current study of this difficult question and examines progress toward more systematic values in media ethics.

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