Media Ethics Conference at UCO 

Last Wednesday I attended the Media Ethics Conference and listened to local news anchors and directors from around the Oklahoma City area.  I attended the Ethics in Broadcasting session and really got to see the other side of news.  When giving the news I learned that many stations don't support in "sanitizing" the news.   A news directors told us that when it comes to graphic images they try and use their best judgement on how much to show viewers, while trying to put out as much content possible without being too graphic.  They said it is better to show more than less, but depending on the story or situation they take it case by case.  I applaud them for strongly considering the viewers and who all is watching the news before they decide what or how much to show.  They also discussed about using their own personal judgement and using all different perspectives with the evolution of thought.  When they get a story and then receive the images it changes the way you write the story and view it.  Images are key in how we view the news.  Most importantly always get the facts.  Images are important and help make the story, but always confirm the facts.  

One of the questions asked to one of the anchors was, What is the most difficult ethical challenge they have faced? They taught us that when doing certain stories on race or touchy subjects such as death penalty, for example, 

1. You must always cover both sides of the story

2. You have to know your audience.  

3. Tell the story fairly and theres always a fine line when it comes to not being biased. You must but your own opinions and emotion aside. 

4. Always report what you know. 

I feel like I took away a lot of good advice from hearing the panel of directors and anchors talk and discuss their own personal experiences in the newsroom.  

Thats all she wrote- Rayven Boone