From the founding of America, a free press has been seen as vital to a free people and an honest/effective government for and “By the People.
The traditional or “mainstream” media has evolved far from its news reporting role to an editorial or opinion platform. Commentators publish information as if it were news, when in fact, it is biased politically and not entirely fact-based. This is more the rule than the exception. Additionally, within the mainstream and legacy media groups, published information is consistently left-leaning.
A great return to high standards is needed. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) (https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp) has a clear and comprehensive “code of ethics.”
The major categories of the standards are:
- Seek truth and report it
- Minimize harm
- Act independently
- Be accountable and transparent
Members of the SPJ believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.
A return to these standards would be a tonic for governance in America. “We the People” and our elected public servants would do a better job. Honesty and public service would be refreshed.
In the next Voting Alert Beacons post, I’ll address steps that “We the People” can take to save and resurrect our “4th Branch of Government” to its rightful place in the American Democracy.
. . . remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her. America’s best days are ahead of her. They have always been and will always be.
David
Copyright © 2025 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.