A reporter waits to report the names of those arrested at a campus rally until formal charges are filed with the court. What section of the SPJ Code of Ethics most applies?
A) Seek Truth and Report It
B) Minimize Harm
C) Act Independently
D) Be Accountable and Transparent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Minimize Harm section of the SPJ Code of Ethics states that journalists should "show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage." Waiting until formal charges are filed before reporting the names of those arrested can help minimize the harm that may be caused to individuals who have been wrongly accused or who may face negative consequences from being publicly named before they have had a chance to defend themselves.

A Reporter Waits to Report the Names of Those Arrested