COM3707
Assignment 02
Semester 2 2025
Due 25 September 2025
,COM3707
Assignment 02
Semester 2 2025
Due 25 September 2025
Table of Contents
Question 1: Media Ethics and Its Dimensions ................................................................. 2
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics ................................................................ 2
1.2 Meta-Ethics vs. Normative Ethics and Their Relevance to Media Practice ........... 4
..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Characteristics of Three Meta-Ethical Theories ..................................................... 5
Question 2: Normative Media Theories and Legislative Impact ...................................... 7
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Origins and Characteristics of Four Normative Media Theories and Public
Communication Values ................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Impact of Legislation on Normative Media Ethics and Dangers of Regulation ..... 10
Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 12
References .................................................................................................................... 14
, Question 1: Media Ethics and Its Dimensions
1.0 Introduction
Media ethics governs the behavior of media professionals and institutions, ensuring that
their actions align with societal values and professional responsibilities. In a media
environment shaped by real-time information, AI, and global crises, the ethical choices
made by practitioners have direct consequences on public trust, democracy, and human
dignity. This response explores the definition and significance of media ethics, contrasts
meta-ethics and normative ethics, and explains the implications of three core meta-
ethical theories, emphasizing application over repetition.
1.1 Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics
Definition and Scope
Ethics is the study of moral principles that guide behavior and distinguish right from
wrong. Media ethics is a branch of applied ethics that addresses moral questions arising
in media practice, including journalism, broadcasting, and digital content creation. It
considers issues such as truthfulness, fairness, accountability, and respect for privacy in
the dissemination of information.
Application
Understanding this distinction is essential because media professionals regularly
encounter situations that require moral judgment, not just adherence to laws or
technical skills. For instance, a photojournalist deciding whether to publish graphic war
images must balance truth-telling with the potential for public harm. Recognizing media
ethics as applied ethics explains why such choices go beyond compliance and into
moral responsibility.
Importance of Media Ethics
Media ethics reinforces public trust, which is foundational for democratic participation.
Unethical practices such as sensationalism, plagiarism, or bias can erode institutional
credibility. Conversely, ethical journalism holds power accountable and informs the
Assignment 02
Semester 2 2025
Due 25 September 2025
,COM3707
Assignment 02
Semester 2 2025
Due 25 September 2025
Table of Contents
Question 1: Media Ethics and Its Dimensions ................................................................. 2
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics ................................................................ 2
1.2 Meta-Ethics vs. Normative Ethics and Their Relevance to Media Practice ........... 4
..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Characteristics of Three Meta-Ethical Theories ..................................................... 5
Question 2: Normative Media Theories and Legislative Impact ...................................... 7
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Origins and Characteristics of Four Normative Media Theories and Public
Communication Values ................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Impact of Legislation on Normative Media Ethics and Dangers of Regulation ..... 10
Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 12
References .................................................................................................................... 14
, Question 1: Media Ethics and Its Dimensions
1.0 Introduction
Media ethics governs the behavior of media professionals and institutions, ensuring that
their actions align with societal values and professional responsibilities. In a media
environment shaped by real-time information, AI, and global crises, the ethical choices
made by practitioners have direct consequences on public trust, democracy, and human
dignity. This response explores the definition and significance of media ethics, contrasts
meta-ethics and normative ethics, and explains the implications of three core meta-
ethical theories, emphasizing application over repetition.
1.1 Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics
Definition and Scope
Ethics is the study of moral principles that guide behavior and distinguish right from
wrong. Media ethics is a branch of applied ethics that addresses moral questions arising
in media practice, including journalism, broadcasting, and digital content creation. It
considers issues such as truthfulness, fairness, accountability, and respect for privacy in
the dissemination of information.
Application
Understanding this distinction is essential because media professionals regularly
encounter situations that require moral judgment, not just adherence to laws or
technical skills. For instance, a photojournalist deciding whether to publish graphic war
images must balance truth-telling with the potential for public harm. Recognizing media
ethics as applied ethics explains why such choices go beyond compliance and into
moral responsibility.
Importance of Media Ethics
Media ethics reinforces public trust, which is foundational for democratic participation.
Unethical practices such as sensationalism, plagiarism, or bias can erode institutional
credibility. Conversely, ethical journalism holds power accountable and informs the
