Ethics in the New Media, Print Media and Visual Media Landscape

Abstract

The ethical dimensions of investment in media activities are becoming increasingly important especially as use of electronic media pervades our lives. Until recently, it has made sense to consider different types of media more or less independently. Now however, the lines are blurred and the worlds of television, newspapers and the Internet overlap considerably. Similar ethical issues apply across the types of media activity. In such a changing environment, it is important that the church in general develop a methodology to apply to media-related ethical issues. It is particularly important for the CFB to do this as media related companies account for at least 20% of the whole market. How is the rise of new media and online journalism affecting the traditional journalistic standards of objectivity, accuracy, and verification? How can the media show that it remains committed to a strong ethical code and to effective self regulation in a rapidly changing media environment? This paper surveys the media-related sectors and identifies some common and particular themes. A methodology is suggested for examining media issues from an ethical investment perspective. The pros and cons of new media have been suggested and some case studies have been given as examples of ethics, whether a myth or a reality.