Global journalism ethics

Abstract

Ward, Stephen J.A. (2010). Global Journalism Ethics. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press, pp. 296. Ward notes that traditional journalism values and practices are being questioned due to global nature of modern journalism and rapid changes brought about by digital and wireless technologies. Ward concludes that journalists are struggling to maintain credible ethical identity as they sail roiling sea of modern media world (p. 3). Ward's bold objective is to look at journalism's future and offer conceptual inventions to help move journalism forward, with an eventual goal of converging theoretical foundations and practical proposals. Although those looking for concrete practical proposals to follow in global setting might be disappointed that Ward doesn't get quite that far, his impressive theoretical framework provides an excellent starting point for scholars interested in journalism in wired, globalized world. As Ward writes, goal of book is to supply the basic philosophical concepts to begin invention of detailed and theoretically solid global [journalism] ethics (p. 235). The book is divided into two sections, although it covers three distinct topics. In first and longest section, Ward explains his approach to and presents his general theory of ethics. In chapter one, Ward explains basic idea of and his naturalistic approach, which conceives of as rational, human invention. In chapter two, he describes his holistic approach to reflective engagement, explains his three-level theory of ethical reasoning, and presents an accompanying model of journalism informed by that theory. Ward uses chapter three to argue that aim of should be congruence of - theory that humans should strive to flourish or grow on four levels - and right - a Rawlsian theory of right for liberal democratic or well-ordered society (p. 103). Ward argues this congruence leads to ethical flourishing or combination of the good and the right. Ultimately, goal of these first chapters is to argue that true aim of is creation of liberal democracy in which citizens are truly free to govern themselves with meaningful decisions that actually influence structure and function of government. In second section, Ward expands on his theoretical foundations and discusses how his theories of form basic concepts of global journalism ethics, with an emphasis on how journalism can advance democracy. In chapter six, Ward presents his third topic, and finally applies his ethical framework to practical question: To what extent can global journalist be patriot? The book's greatest strength is Ward's presentation of his personal approach to and his systematic theoretical discussion of and philosophy, as he lays foundations for his vision of and global journalism ethics. Ward's intelligence is evident, and his deep appreciation for and understanding of classic works of political and moral philosophy greatly inform his work. His approach to is rooted in social contract theory, classic liberal democratic theory, John Rawls's theories of justice and human good, and cosmopolitan ethics, an ethical system that asserts the equal value and dignity of all people as members of common humanity (p. …

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