Professionalization ofJournalism

Whitney GonzalezMass Communication Theory

Southeastern University

What is Journalistic Professionalization?

The adoption of codes of ethics, etc. in order to professionally adhere to specific duties and ultimately serve the public.

Why Professionalize?

1920s-Media faced government regulation.Defend and inform the publicAbility to provide fair, unbiased information.

American Society of Newspaper Editors

Founded in 1922Institution that promotes fair journalismFirst of many institutions to establish Code of Ethics (1923)

American Society of Newspaper Editors Cont’

The ASNE Statement of Principles includes:

ResponsibilityIndependenceTruth & AccuracyImpartialityFair Play

Benefits of Professionalization

Freedom of the PressUnbiased InformationFreedom of Speech

The Fourth Estate“Watchdog” for the GovernmentEnsures that institutions serve the public

Goal of the Fourth Estate:“to keep our leaders honest and to arm the powerless with the

information they need to protect themselves against the tyranny of the powerful. . .”

Bill Moyers, Journalism Veteran

Limitation of Professionalism

Difficulty removing faulty practitionersLack of required training & licensing

Professionalization Today

Social Media FreedomsAccess to News outlets with varying views (FOX News vs. CNN)

Future of Professionalization

Requirement of training and licensingEmbracing of online journalism

SourcesAsne’s statement of principles. (1975). Retrieved from http://asne.org/article_view/

articleid/325/asnes-statement-of-principles.aspx

Background note: cuba. (2010, March 25). Retrieved from

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2886.htm#gov

Baran, S.J., & Davis, D.K. (2008) Mass communication theory: foundations, ferment, and future. Boston,

MA: Wadsworth Pub Co. Media

Bennett, I. (2010, March 7). Media censorship in china. Retrieved from

http://www.cfr.org/china/media-censorship-china/p11515

Le Coz, C. (2010, May 6). China tightens media control at shanghai expo.

Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2010/05/china-tightens-media-

control-at-shanghai-expo126.html

Media as the fourth estate. (2009, February 12). Retrieved from

http://usf.usfca.edu/fac_staff/boaz/pol326/feb12.htm

Merrill, J.C. (2005, Spring). Professionalization: fusion of media freedom and responsibility. Retrieved from

http://lass.calumet.purdue.edu/cca/gmj/

OldSiteBackup/SubmittedDocuments/spring2005/pdf_files/MerrillSp05.pdf

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