Deceptive Journalism –Is It Acceptable?
Deceptive Journalism –is it acceptable?
Introduction
In this essay I will be disusing whether or not deception is an unavoidable part in journalism. I will carry out this discussion by referring to case studies and the MEAA and AJA guidelines as well as other vital sources need to draw a solid conclusion. To begin our discussion we must first understand what the word deception means. Over time the meaning of the word has gone through various changes in that we now have a more specific definition. According to Buller & Burgoon, 1996, Deception is “knowingly transmitting information to foster a false belief to the receiver.”
According to Elliot & Culver, 1988, “Journalists are not above using some forms of deception to get stories.” Deception occurs in two key areas of journalism:
1. In news gathering
2. In news writing
Deception in news gathering
News gathering refers to establishing rapport with subjects. One way of doing this is by interviewing them. What can make news gathering deceptive is the identity of journalist remaining unknown to subject. Using any recording devices without the knowledge of the subject would be considered a form of deception, as would any off the record conversation between the subject and journalist. An example of deceptive news gathering would be one of a journalist who wants to catch online paedophiles. To do this he poses online as an under-age girl and chats to the sex predator until he finally lures him in and when the paedophile is caught only then the journalist reveals his true identity. This was exactly what one journalist did on a television programme named: Dateline- to catch a predator. The journalist displayed deceptive methods of journalism by withholding his true identity, using recording devices without the knowledge of the subject and having off the record online conversations.
Deception in news writing
Journalists have 2 duties to uphold to. They
Introduction
In this essay I will be disusing whether or not deception is an unavoidable part in journalism. I will carry out this discussion by referring to case studies and the MEAA and AJA guidelines as well as other vital sources need to draw a solid conclusion. To begin our discussion we must first understand what the word deception means. Over time the meaning of the word has gone through various changes in that we now have a more specific definition. According to Buller & Burgoon, 1996, Deception is “knowingly transmitting information to foster a false belief to the receiver.”
According to Elliot & Culver, 1988, “Journalists are not above using some forms of deception to get stories.” Deception occurs in two key areas of journalism:
1. In news gathering
2. In news writing
Deception in news gathering
News gathering refers to establishing rapport with subjects. One way of doing this is by interviewing them. What can make news gathering deceptive is the identity of journalist remaining unknown to subject. Using any recording devices without the knowledge of the subject would be considered a form of deception, as would any off the record conversation between the subject and journalist. An example of deceptive news gathering would be one of a journalist who wants to catch online paedophiles. To do this he poses online as an under-age girl and chats to the sex predator until he finally lures him in and when the paedophile is caught only then the journalist reveals his true identity. This was exactly what one journalist did on a television programme named: Dateline- to catch a predator. The journalist displayed deceptive methods of journalism by withholding his true identity, using recording devices without the knowledge of the subject and having off the record online conversations.
Deception in news writing
Journalists have 2 duties to uphold to. They