Media Ethics (11^th Ed.) Cases and Moral Reasoning

Media Ethics: Cases and Moral Reasoning challenges readers to think analytically about ethical situations in mass communication through original case studies and commentaries about real-life media experiences.

This text provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical principles of ethical philosophies, facilitating ethical awareness. It introduces the Potter Box, with its four dimensions of moral analysis, to provide a framework for exploring the steps in moral reasoning and analyzing the cases. Focusing on a wide spectrum of ethical issues faced by media practitioners, the cases in this Eleventh Edition include the most recent issues in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations and entertainment. Cases touch on issues and places worldwide, from Al Jazeera to the Xinhua News Agency, from Nigerian "brown envelopes" to PR professional standards in South Africa. Racially divisive language comes up in different communication contexts, as does celebrity influence on culture.

A core textbook for classes in media ethics, communication ethics, and ethics in journalism, public relations, and advertising.

Introduction – Ethical Foundations and Perspectives

Part One – News

Chapter 1: Institutional Press

Chapter 2: Truthtelling

Chapter 3: Reporters and Sources

Chapter 4: Social Justice

Chapter 5: Privacy

The Heart of the Matter in News Ethics

Part Two – Advertising

Chapter 6: The Commercialization of Everyday Life

Chapter 7: Advertising in an Image-Based Media Culture

Chapter 8: The Media are Commercial

Chapter 9: Advertising’s Professional Culture

The Heart of the Matter in Advertising Ethics

Part 3 – Public Relations

Chapter 10: Public Communication

Chapter 11: Telling the Truth in Organizational Settings

Chapter 12: Conflicting Loyalties

Chapter 13: The Demands of Social Responsibility

The Heart of the Matter in Public Relations Ethics

Part 4 – Entertainment

Chapter 14 Violence

Chapter 15 Profits, Wealth, and Public Trust

Chapter 16 Media Scope and Depth

Chapter 17 Censorship

The Heart of the Matter in Entertainment Ethics

Clifford G. Christians is Research Professor of Communications, Professor of Journalism, and Professor of Media Studies Emeritus at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Mark Fackler is Professor of Communications emeritus at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kathy Brittain Richardson is the president of Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

Peggy J. Kreshel is Associate Professor of Advertising at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.