TGJ2O7 - Gr.

10 TV & Video
ISU Assignment: Media Ethics - Canada Teachers: Mr. Snyder/Mr. Elsie

Consider:
The media has opportunity and obligation to report, inform, inspire thought, encourage debate, challenge status quo, provide a voice for the
voiceless and power to the powerless.
In doing so the media often finds itself under tremendous public scrutiny.

"FAKE NEWS?
Early mass media had a town crier who would shout hear ye, hear ye from the town square to announce the news of day. News was
being delivered by word of mouth and took an enormous amount of time to circulate; the message most certainly changed with each deliv-
ery. The audience was there to listen.

Today, news travels globally literally at the speed of light. There is a race to be first among news organizations. But never before has the
need to get it right been more important than to get it first. Today, the public has been empowered with a voice through social media.
News organizations face scrutiny, challenge and sometimes attack if they act irresponsibly or just get it wrong. Severe and lasting dam-
age can be done to a media organization that doesnt get their facts right before going public.

So, how does the media sort through a world of information and events - both inspiring and tragic?
What are the golden rules of journalism that hold the media accountable to do their very best every day?

Radio Television Digital News Media (RTDNA) Journalistic Ethics

http://www.rtdnacanada.com/
"An informed public is vital to a democratic society. Canadian journalisms purpose is to serve the public interest. It is our responsibility to
act independently, to be fair and respectful, and to report the facts.

The Radio Television Digital News Media is a voluntary association of news media organization and their journalists and management
groups.

Task:
On the RTDNA website, read the enclosed RTDNA Code of Journalistic Ethics
Based on this code of ethics, complete the following assignment.

Part A:
1) Find the mandate for the organization. Read it and copy/paste into your report. 1 Mark
2) What are the 5 Codes of Journalistic Ethics that the RTDNA follow? 5 Marks
3) In your own words, interpret each of the 5 Codes of Journalistic Ethics. 20 Marks
2-3 sentences for each code of ethics (4 marks max. per code)
4) Select 1 Code of Ethics and describe how we apply it during the production of our class shows. 4 Marks

Total: /30 Marks