Contemporary Media and Its Ethical Dilemmas

Introduction

Throughout the fall semester of 2019, our course MSJ 11402 Ethics in Media and Communication provided us with foundational knowledge on ethics and its relationship with media. As part of the curriculum, we were tasked with watching several films centered on contemporary media and its ethical dilemmas. These films often presented complex and conflicting situations. Our final assignment was to write an article on contemporary media and its ethical dilemmas: a cinematic portrayal. In this article, I aim to express my understanding of these dilemmas as depicted in the movies and connect them to the broader context of journalism ethics.

Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Media

In this section, I will delve into the ethical dilemmas and connect them with the role of journalism ethics. Ethics, fundamentally, is what we believe in, and media ethics persistently evolve to adapt to new social and technological conditions. Media ethics represent a revolution that must remain open to future changes. In recent times, investigative journalism has opened new avenues for ethics in media.

Ethics is not merely a theoretical concept; it demands action. As journalists, educators, students, and ethicists, we must bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices. This approach is increasingly being adopted in today's newsrooms.

Case Study: The Insider

In the movie "The Insider" (Mann, 1999), the value of investigative journalism and free media in exposing threats to public health is well illustrated. However, the film also raises questions about when and how mainstream media can act in the public's interest. This is one of the dilemmas I observed.

The film portrays the tension between corporate interests and journalistic ethics, highlighting the struggle to maintain professional integrity. It raises a challenging question: Should one sacrifice their family's well-being to disclose critical information to the media? And if so, is it ethical despite the potential dangers and threats?

Case Study: The Year of Living Dangerously

In the film "The Year of Living Dangerously" (Weir, 1982), we encounter moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Guy Hamilton. His dedication to his job leads him into ethical conflicts, particularly when he obtains secret information about the PKI. Additionally, he faces a choice between his career and his romantic relationship with a British woman, creating a personal and professional dilemma.

This scenario raises ethical questions about the nature of love, trust, commitment, and loyalty, and how these concepts conflict with a journalist's commitment to objective truth-telling. Our discussions revealed that there is no definitive way to make such decisions, and it is up to individuals to navigate these challenges while adhering to their code of ethics.

Comparative Analysis

Both films present journalistic ethical questions in a broader sense. However, this article focuses on the dilemmas I identified from these movies. In "The Insider," Bergman works tirelessly to protect his source, although he is not always successful. He encounters frustration due to corporate interference by CBS. Despite not eliminating harm, Bergman strives to minimize it by not counseling Jeffrey Wigand.

In contrast, Guy Hamilton in "The Year of Living Dangerously" exhibits less concern for his source, Billy, reflecting an unethical approach by a professional journalist. This difference in approach highlights the diverse ethical challenges faced by journalists in different contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these films represent significant ethical dilemmas in journalism, which I have attempted to explore through this article. They illustrate the complexities of balancing personal and professional ethics in the field of media and communication.

References

• Mann, M. (Director). (1999). The Insider [Film]. Touchstone Pictures.
• Weir, P. (Director). (1982). The Year of Living Dangerously [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.