'Accurate as of the timestamp': Newspaper journalism ethics in a time of economic and technological change.

摘要

In the first decade of the 21st century, American newspaper organizations faced significant economic challenges and underwent great change as communication technology advanced. The purpose of this study was to examine the views of newspaper journalists regarding their professional ethical values, practices, and the changes their work environment has undergone. Using a Web survey and follow-up interviews, this research found that newspaper journalists adhere to ethical norms that align with a libertarian/social responsibility tradition. Journalists at smaller, community newspapers, however, incorporate elements of communitarian ethics in their views of the role of the newspaper organization in society. Results also identified several types of challenges that journalists faced in their work. Analysis revealed that the journalists employ several techniques in the ways they view these challenges that allow them to cope with and contextualize change while maintaining their existing ideas of ethical journalism. Theoretical and professional implications are discussed and directions for future research are identified.