Ethics as the backbone of the professional identity of Belgian journalism interns

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the perceptions of professional ethics expressed by Belgian – both Francophone and Flemish – journalism students after their first internships. 13 focus groups including 59 students from 7 universities were organized. These young journalists detailed how ethics play a central role in the development of their professional identity, during their first professional experience. Results show that both Flemish and French-speaking journalists share a relative homogenous vision of journalistic ethics. Eventually, this article offers the foundations for further research dedicated to the professional identity of young professional Belgian journalists, beyond any stereotypes or allegedly linguistic characteristics.