TimmyH
Did NYT columnist cross ethical border?
September 22nd 2008 02:13
Courtesy : Reformpitsburghnow.com
According to the NYT code of eithcs, those working for the organisation as journalists may not pose as anyone they are not -- for example, police officers (which is in itself a crime) or lawyers. However, in some circumstances they are able to break the code in order to avoid special treatment that might influence their reporting of an issue. This is common practice in reviews, especially when reviewing restaurants.
Mr Kristof posted provocative blog entries on a Chinese website to see how long Chinese authorities would take to remove them. The columnist reportedly made use of a native Chinese speaker in order to authenticate the language and appear natural.
It has been suggested that China will use the row to restrict foreign media, in particular The NYT and re-launch its propaganda campaigns of the last decade.
Kristof’s defence so far has been that he was not required to volunteer his profession in order to submit the posts. He has further said that his actions were transparent because of their publication in the column. It is unclear as to whether or not he will be disciplined by the NYT.
"The disclosure kind of helps when one is near ethical boundaries. It doesn't obviate issues but I think full disclosure helps," said Kristof.
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by TimmyH
Tech News
Can you HACK it?
Genyration
But I mean, he is a journalist afterall...
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
If the journo hired a man to write the posts then what?
Is he off the ethical hook?
There have been some well publicized cases of Chinese nationals being arrest for their online activities. One involving Yahoo.
I am not sure that the story he was running would have been a shocking revelation since it has already been derailed by an ethical dilemma.
Comment by Neems
Koala Lounge
Truth Whisperer
China works very hard to cover up so many "alleged" activities...(think Falun Gong)...perhaps sometimes the only way to find out what's really going on is to go undercover.
In this situation, I'm on his side.
But I suppose the danger with that is it sets a precedent that could be exploited by those with less honourable intentions.
Neems
Comment by Janet Collins
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I am always baffled about this ethical line when it comes to journalism and I have to say I agree with SL's comments on this one. If journalists don't go "undercover" or at least do proper investigations we get the "story" that they are being told via media releases, etc. or by convenient leaks by some with hidden agendas.
It wouldn't be a bad thing if our governments and corporations were investigated by journalists more thoroughly either.
Janet.