Publishers get personal with ethics: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship: "That’s what ethics is about. Journalism ethics are no different," said [ethicist Michael Josephson], who has dubbed the list his "six pillars of character." [...]
Josephson stressed one of his favorite journalism subjects: the lack of written policies, standards or guidelines in the newspaper business. He challenged the executives to explain why they did not have written guidelines, policies or standards for reporting and editing.
Many said they had been advised that such written policies are "roadmaps" for unethical litigators looking to sue newspapers. Josephson guffawed at that. "I'd guess your lawyers were C students, then," he said, explaining that "it is useful to be clear . . . about who you are and what you want to be."
