Ethics and the Media: An Introduction

Cambridge Applied Ethics

by Stephen J.A. Ward

This book is a comprehensive introduction to media ethics and an exploration of how it must change to adapt to today's media revolution. Using an ethical framework for the new 'mixed media' ethics – taking in the global, interactive media produced by both citizens and professionals – Stephen J. A. Ward discusses the ethical issues which occur in both mainstream and non-mainstream media, from newspapers and broadcast to social media users and bloggers. He re-defines traditional conceptions of journalistic truth-seeking, objectivity and minimizing harm, and examines the responsible use of images in an image-saturated public sphere. He also draws the contours of a future media ethics for the 'new mainstream media' and puts forward cosmopolitan principles for a global media ethics. His book will be invaluable for all students of media and for others who are interested in media ethics.

298 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2011

About the author

Stephen J.A. Ward is an internationally recognized media ethicist whose writings and projects have influenced the development of the field in theory and practice. He is an educator, consultant, keynote speaker and award-winning author. Ward has extensive experience in media both academically and professionally. He resides in Madison, WI, USA. He is Distinguished Lecturer in Ethics at the School of Journalism, University of British Columbia and Courtesy Professor in the School of Journalism, University of Oregon. He is founding Director of the Center for Journalism Ethics, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is former director of the Graduate School of journalism, University of British Columbia. Most recently, he was interim director of the international Organization of News Ombudsmen.