When I was an editor at the Hartford Courant in Connecticut, we argued over whether we should print an obscenity. Here in Alaska and throughout the country journalists discuss ethical issues on a regular basis. Recently in Kenai, the editor of the newspaper worried about accepting a gift of salmon from a local fish processor after a story was written about the company. After giving it much thought, the editor decided it would offend the company in this small community if she refused the gift, and it would not compromise the integrity of the story because it had already been published. At a local television station, the news staff debated at length before deciding to use the name of a juvenile arrested for a heinous crime.
Most journalists strive to do the right thing.
We are now at a critical crossroads. The Internet as a new medium has made everyone a publisher. Currently there are 800 million pages online. Much of that information cannot be trusted. Journalists are needed now more than ever.