Journalism and Ethics - Spoiler

I loved this movie; in part because it made me wonder: can journalists be ethical?

As in this movie, they often lie to get people to reveal information they'd rather not reveal; they sneak into places where they don't belong; they sensationalize stories to gain circulation or viewers; and they exploit a person's hardships even while they're in the midst of dealing with them. It could be the saddest or toughest day of the subjects’ lives but most reporters never seem to have any problem sticking a microphone and/or camera in their faces. It's heartless!

Journalists also love to say they are just reporting on a story not influencing it but but that's nearly impossible to do. Journalists have been caught staging photographs and shaping the narrative. Even when they are merely there to report on a story, their very presence tends to alter the course of events.

I understand the necessity for the media and I support their investigative tactics when they're uncovering corruption or crime. They play an important role in a free society. However, many of them pursue all stories with the same determination and vigor. Instead of just informing the public, they often try to influence us. They pick sides and sometimes set their sights on possible awards and advancing their careers.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]