The ethical decision

Journalism ethics have come into question in recent years--to say the least. There was the New York Times Jayson Blair scandal as recent as 2003, with Blair fabricating and plagiarizing his way to the top of the journalistic world before humiliating the Times in his downfall. Before that was the Stephen Glass and Dateline NBC debacles, doing major damage to their credibility with their audiences. After all, these weren't cases of irresponsible ethical behavior at the local, nickel-an-inch newspaper level--these happened at some of the most respected newspapers and news programs in American history! It's like if it was found out that it was bypass surgery and not Subway sandwiches that led to Jared losing all that weight, or if Rocky really used steroids to beat Ivan Drago.

The public deserves to question the media's validity, especially in today's world of corporate consolidation and big businesses that buy up family run papers. It's our duty as the next generation of journalists to exercise responsible ethical principles and adhere to those standards. As flag bearers of BYU and the Church, we need to apply the Savior's teaching of the golden rule: 

Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets. (3 Nephi 14:12).

We can't afford to plagiarize or act dishonestly. Much of this can be prevented by simply putting ourselves in others' shoes. How will this effect this company? This family? Is this objective and fair to all parties? 

Following a high standard of journalistic ethics is the only way to win credibility back. How to define ethics can be complicated for some. As members of the Church, it shouldn't be for us.