A collection of ethics case studies from journalism and communications
Read about ethical tensions in journalism, including coverage about the James Smith Cree Nation stabbings and how news framing impacts how disability is perceived
Read about ethical dilemmas from a communications perspective, including cases about Sephora’s National Indigenous History Month Campaign and Dylan Mulvaney’s “Days of Being a Girl” series on TikTok
As an educator for journalism and communications students, I emphasize the importance of media ethics for upcoming storytellers. We tackle inquiries such as: How can students ensure their practices uphold the highest ethical standards when interacting with peers, information sources, and the public? How can they approach this responsibly?
In my course, I encourage students to spearhead the examination of ethical questions from cases they’re passionate about. As a collective, we delve into these issues, engaging as both narrators and audience. Students engage in in-depth analyses of their selected case studies through this method. These instances serve as starting points for discussions about the hurdles journalists and communications experts face when addressing these subjects and the ways to enhance their approach.
Romayne Smith Fullerton
Professor
Faculty Scholar
Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS), Western University
romayne.smithfullerton@uwo.ca
For over 25 years, I’ve worked and studied on the lands of the Anishinaabek (Ah-nish-in-a-bek), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-no-show-nee), Lūnaapéewak (Len-ahpay- wuk) and Chonnonton (Chun-ongk-ton) Nations, which are lands connected to the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. I respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land. Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) continue to endure historical and ongoing cultural genocidal practices and injustices in Canada. As a professor who teaches and researches at The University of Western Ontario, I acknowledge my responsibility to contribute toward exposing and correcting miseducation, and to renewing respectful relationships. One way I strive to do so is by including works by Indigenous knowledge keepers (academics, community leaders, scholars, journalists) and consulting with them for input on both teaching materials and ongoing research projects. As Western students, what roles and responsibilities do you have? What commitments might you make?
