Question

A reporter is covering a protest at a local chemical plant suspected of dumping toxic chemicals into the water supply. The reporter interviews a 17-year-old protester on camera. The protester says, "I am concerned for our health—all of us who drink or bathe with this water are at risk. And we need to think about the harm being done to the environment.” Later, the protester's mother calls and says that her daughter, a minor, regrets speaking to the reporter on camera. The mother asks the news station not to air the interview. Which parts of the SPJ code of ethics should be considered when deciding whether to air the interview? Check all that apply. Act independently because money is involved. Be accountable because the story seems to be untrue. Be transparent because it is not clear who made the statements. Minimize harm because the protester might be affected by the interview. Seek truth because the protester made a statement about a major issue.

Answer 1

Answer:

Minimize harm because the protester might be affected by the interview.

Seek truth because the protester made a statement about a major issue.

Explanation:

The SPJ Code of Ethics is a guide that encourages journalists to take responsibility for the information they provide. It is not a strict set of rules, but it's important either way because some basic principles need to be followed in sensitive cases, such as this one.

As the protester is a minor, she needs to be protected. That's why the harm should be minimized as much as it's possible. But, at the same time, there is a possibility that the mother is not telling the truth. It is understandable that she may not want her daughter to be exposed, but the truth matters. If the protester is aware of the fact her face may be on television and wants to be heard, it should be alright to air the interview. After all, she spoke about an important issue. That's why the reporter should seek the truth and then try making the right decision.

Thus, the correct options are the last two.