The Ethos of "Getting the Story"

This chapter discusses some key ethical implications of the mechanics of news work: the moral questions raised in the process of getting the story. These questions necessarily address the individual and sociological dimensions. That is, they deal with both the decision-making processes of individual journalists, and the strong cultural and professional norms and standards in the newsroom that influence journalists' behavior. Other questions address the realm of media effects: what are intended and unintended impacts on audiences, and how might those impacts inform our decisions and judgments about news work? The chapter's thesis is that, done well - ethically well - "getting the story" is an ennobling activity, one that benefits journalism and the public alike.