Is the Truth Dead? Journalists Abandon Their Code

Dear Mindful Leader,

In a world drowning in noise, where every opinion is passed off as fact, the bedrock of truth—the ethical foundation of journalism—is crumbling. Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that strikes at the heart of our society: the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics.

It's a standard that once stood as a beacon for truth-telling, but in today’s media landscape, it's been relegated to the background, ignored, and trampled over.

And let me be clear: news is only news if it adheres to this code.

Anything else is, quite frankly, unethical reporting (if it is called "news"). But that’s the world we live in now—a world where the line between truth and fiction is blurred, where the sacred rules of journalism are treated as mere suggestions rather than the commandments they are.

Let’s talk about the SPJ Code of Ethics, not as an antiquated guideline, but as a living, breathing entity that should be at the forefront of every reporter's mind. The code is divided into four main principles: Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, and Be Accountable and Transparent.

These aren’t just words on a page; they’re the pillars of a free and fair press. Yet, it seems these days that very few reporters are even aware of their existence, let alone following them.

Seek Truth and Report It

The first and foremost rule: “Journalists should be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information.” This is where it all starts, and let’s be honest—this is where it all falls apart.

How many times have we seen headlines designed to mislead, stories that are more fiction than fact, and narratives that cater to clicks rather than truth?

The pursuit of truth has been replaced by the pursuit of traffic, with sensationalism taking the place of substance. Journalists are supposed to verify facts before publishing, but instead, we're witnessing the rise of half-baked stories, riddled with inaccuracies, all in the name of being the first to break the news.

Case in point: Remember the rush to judgment in high-profile cases like Covington Catholic or the endless stream of misinformation during the early days of the pandemic? These were not isolated incidents; they were symptomatic of a larger issue—a media industry that has forgotten its obligation to seek and report the truth.

Additionally, the SPJ Code explicitly states that journalists should "Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant."

How often do we see this principle ignored in favor of echo chambers, where only like-minded opinions are given airtime? Instead of fostering an environment of dialogue and understanding, many outlets prefer to stoke division and cater to specific audiences, pushing away any opposing perspectives.

And let’s not forget the crucial role of giving a "voice to the voiceless."

This is also a mandate in the code, yet how many marginalized communities are truly represented in mainstream media? Instead of uplifting those without a platform, the focus is often on the loudest voices, those who already have power and influence, while the stories of the unheard are pushed aside, forgotten, or distorted.

Next up: “Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues, and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.” Minimize harm—what a quaint idea in an era where every misstep, every out-of-context comment, is magnified, dissected, and weaponized against the individual. The media has turned into a feeding frenzy, with reporters acting less like purveyors of truth and more like sharks sensing blood in the water. There’s a difference between holding power to account and ruining lives for sport, but that line has been crossed so many times that it’s all but invisible now.

Think about the countless lives destroyed by inaccurate reporting or the vicious harassment of individuals caught in the media spotlight.

Where was the consideration of the human cost?

Where was the respect for the people involved?

When you see the damage done by a careless or sensationalist report, it's clear that minimizing harm is the last thing on most reporters' minds.

Act Independently

The third rule is one that seems almost laughable in today’s media climate: “Journalists should avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. They should remain free of associations and activities that may compromise their integrity or credibility.”

Let's be real—how many journalists are truly independent today?

Corporate interests, political leanings, and social agendas have infiltrated the newsroom to the point where unbiased reporting is the exception rather than the rule. It’s not about reporting the news anymore; it’s about shaping the narrative, about ensuring that your side wins, regardless of the facts.

Remember when the media was supposed to be the fourth estate, a check on power rather than a mouthpiece for it?

That ideal has been obliterated by the sheer force of partisanship. The public is left trying to sift through the bias, but how can they trust what they read when the very people reporting the news are compromised?

Moreover, the code also emphasizes the need to "Label advocacy and commentary."

How often do we see clear lines blurred between what is supposed to be objective reporting and what is outright opinion or advocacy? Rarely. In today’s media, commentary is often passed off as fact, and advocacy is disguised as impartial reporting. This manipulation not only deceives the audience but also undermines the very essence of what journalism should be.

Be Accountable and Transparent

Finally, we come to the principle of accountability: “Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers, and each other.” Transparency is key.

But how often do you see corrections issued with the same prominence as the original mistake?

How often do reporters admit when they’ve gotten it wrong?

The answer is: not often enough.

When was the last time you saw a major news outlet take full responsibility for a false report without trying to downplay it or bury it in the back pages? It’s a rarity, and that’s a problem.

The public’s trust in the media is at an all-time low, and can you blame them?

The lack of accountability has eroded the very foundation of journalism. News organizations need to own their mistakes, not just with a quick tweet or a small correction, but with the same vigor and visibility that they give to their sensational headlines.

Now, let’s talk about the few who are still trying to get it right.

The truth is, there are only a handful of news sources left that adhere to these ethical standards.

CBS News, with its storied history and commitment to thorough journalism, stands out. The Boston Globe, under the guidance of Linda Pizzuti Henry, has managed to maintain a level of integrity that is increasingly rare. And then there’s Gannett, a name that may not be as flashy, but it carries the legacy of Al Neuharth—a man who understood that journalism is about more than just selling papers; it’s about serving the public.

"The difference between a free press and a fair press is as crucial as the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship." — Al Neuharth

Gannett’s reliability is built on this foundation, and while the media landscape continues to shift, this legacy keeps them grounded in truth. It’s a legacy that I wish more in the industry would remember, but unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in anymore. The sad reality is that most news today can’t be trusted, not because the facts are wrong, but because the ethical framework that should guide every journalist’s hand has been abandoned.

"The First Amendment guaranteed a free press. We in the media must make sure it is a fair one." — Al Neuharth

So where does that leave us?

It leaves us with a stark choice: Demand better or be content with the mediocre, biased, and often unethical reporting that floods our screens. If we don’t hold our journalists to these standards, then we have no right to complain about the state of the news. Ethics in journalism isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the only thing standing between a well-informed public and a misled one. And make no mistake, without a well-informed public, democracy itself is at risk.

Let this be a call to action, not just for journalists but for all of us who consume the news. Hold your news sources accountable, demand adherence to these ethical standards, and recognize that the only true news is that which follows this code.

Anything else is just noise.

Yours in truth,

David

P.S. Besides being an Ordained Minister my secular job is solar energy. If you're ready to supercharge your business with sustainable energy, now's the time to act. With Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan funneling unprecedented funds into green initiatives, the opportunities are massive. Just last month I helped a hospitality client secure $849,000 in federal grants—essentially free money for their solar system. Imagine what your business or hotel could do with a seven-figure boost in government benefits. Don’t wait—DM me today to see how we can make it happen and transform your business with the power of solar!

P.P.S. Do you know a business drowning in electricity costs? Refer them to me, and if we close the deal, you'll earn a royalty that's as big as a shark's bite. Let's make some waves together!

? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

#gabenfreude #divineintervention #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth