Question

Which of the following is not considered an ethical journalism practice?

• A. Sting Operations
• B. Investigative Journalism
• C. Political Journalism
• D. Fashion Journalism

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the context of journalism, ethical practices are crucial to maintaining credibility and trust with the audience. Let us analyze the options to identify which is not considered an ethical journalism practice: 

1. Investigative Journalism: This involves in-depth research and thorough analysis to uncover facts and information that are of public interest. It adheres to ethical guidelines of fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
2. Political Journalism: Reporting on political events, figures, and policies with the aim to inform the public. Ethical political journalism demands impartiality, accuracy, and integrity.
3. Fashion Journalism: This covers trends, designers, and cultural influences within the fashion industry. Although not typically associated with significant ethical dilemmas, fashion journalism still upholds the standard journalistic ethics of truthfulness and accuracy.
4. Sting Operations: This involves undercover or deceptive methods to expose illegal or unethical activities. While promising revelatory outcomes, sting operations pose significant ethical challenges as they may involve deception and invasion of privacy, potentially undermining the ethical standards of accuracy, fairness, and respect for individuals.

After evaluating each option, it is clear that Sting Operations are not considered an ethical journalism practice due to their inherent ethical risks and challenges. Ethical journalism prioritizes truthful and respectful reporting over deception and sensationalism.

Answer 2

The option that is not universally considered an ethical journalism practice is:

(1) Sting Operations

• Sting operations often involve deception, hidden cameras, or entrapment, which can violate journalistic ethics like:
• Truthfulness: Misrepresenting identity to gather information.
• Privacy: Covert recording without consent.
• Public Interest Justification: May prioritize sensationalism over genuine societal benefit.

Ethical Alternatives (Other Options):

• (2) Investigative Journalism: Exposes corruption/systemic issues with evidence (ethical if fact-based and fair).
• (3) Political Journalism: Covers governance/elections (neutrality is key).
• (4) Fashion Journalism: Focuses on trends/industry (low ethical risk).