Journalism Ethics Take Center Stage at W&L's 80th Symposium Event

Journalism Ethics Take Center Stage at W&L's 80th Symposium Event

In the bustling halls of Washington and Lee University (W&L), excitement is brewing for the 80th Institute on Media Ethics, a two-day symposium that promises to address pressing issues within the world of journalism. Set to unfold on November 6 and 7, 2023, this event brings together distinguished voices from various corners of the media landscape.

Among the highlights, Byron Pitts, the co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline,” will deliver a keynote address on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. Known for his insightful reporting during some of the most pivotal moments in recent history—from the Boston Marathon bombing to the coverage of presidential elections—Pitts has a wealth of experience to share. His journey in journalism has shaped not only his career but also how audiences perceive news today.

Student Voices Take the Stage

On the evening of November 6, the symposium will showcase an emerging talent, Garrett Shanley, a senior at the University of Florida. Shanley gained national attention for his investigative reporting revealing significant financial irregularities surrounding former president Ben Sasse’s office, where expenditures soared to over $17 million. This bold work prompted a statewide audit, earning him accolades such as the Dan Rather Medal for News and Guts and the inaugural Collier Awards for Ethics in Journalism.

Shanley, whose reporting has also appeared in the Miami Herald and at WUFT-FM, an NPR affiliate, will participate in a discussion led by Eric Deggans, W&L’s Knight Chair of Journalism and Media Ethics, offering a unique perspective from the next generation of journalists. Events such as these foster a legacy of ethical reporting, a theme that’s crucial in today’s media landscape.

The Changing Landscape of Media Ethics

Speaking of ethics, the importance of media ethics cannot be overstated, particularly as new technologies like AI reshape our understanding of journalism. The rapid emergence of tools such as ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has not only debuted new ways to produce text and information but has also sparked significant ethical debates. Wikipedia notes that ChatGPT has raised concerns about misinformation, academic dishonesty, and potential biases in its outputs. Such issues tie back into the rich discussions of media ethics, which began taking form in the mid-1980s in Germany.

Recent discourse in media ethics has shifted to address how technology is influencing traditional journalism. Discussions around digital ethics, machine ethics, and the responsibilities of journalists have gained traction. These themes resonate within the framework of journalism ethics, where issues like fake news and the ethical responsibilities of media organizations are critically examined. As noted by Journalistikon, the field of media ethics continues to evolve, reflecting on the responsibilities of media actors and the implications of their actions on society.

Both the upcoming symposium and the continuing evolution in media ethics underline the importance of rigorous standards and accountability within journalism. As technology progresses, so too must our approaches to ethics in reporting, ensuring that the truth prevails in a rapidly changing media environment.

With voices like Byron Pitts and emerging reporters like Garrett Shanley participating in meaningful discussions, W&L’s 80th Institute on Media Ethics stands as a testament to the commitment to ethical journalism that both inspires and challenges the status quo.