Objectivity vs. Transparency: Why Journalists Should Choose to be Transparent

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men…” (AOF #13) From my early childhood, I was taught to obey these guidelines in hopes that by being obedient to them, I would receive blessings. Personal standards are strongly encouraged within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so that we won’t be swayed by evil influences in the world. In the news media world, ethics can be looked over and personal standards sway easily under the pressure of producing reader-worthy news. Although there are many methods journalists use to produce news, to avoid over looking personal ethics journalists should take a transparent approach. Being straight forward with personal standards and opinions on certain topics not only agree with the professional ethics they are asked to follow, but also lowers the chance of acting in a way that would jeopardize personal beliefs.