Conflicts of Interest

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

In chapter eleven, Trenholm writes about ethics in the media, and how to harness the potential for conflicts of interest within a news company. How can a reporter report the facts in an unbiased manner when they are human beings with emotions, opinions and belief systems?

There is mentioned an example of a reporter sending one hundred and sixty wired hangers to politicians to appeal to a pro-abortion issue. Another reporter was seen demonstrating in an activist rally. Some speculate that these actions paint reporting the news with a pre-mature skew, because the reporters have conflicts of interest. Perhaps the solution is accountability.

With some organizations the act of omission is the same as a lie. Put it so that if there is evidence for blatant and willful neglect to report a balanced and reasonably accurate event then legal action will ensue. This is something that should be taken more seriously because of the power and influence that is wielded in a short news segment.

This solution does not deprive a news reporter of their personal views or opinion. What it does do is further ensure a more accurate report which can legally protect a news agency, the subject(s), and the reporter themselves.