THE BMZ ACADEMY
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Question 1 The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour or conduct in
media practice. ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Elaborate on the above statement by doing the following: ................................................................... 3
1.1Describe, in your own words, what you think ethics and media ethics is about. Also elaborate on
the importance of ethics and how our daily behaviour is often determined by it? (5) ......................... 3
1.2 Discuss the difference between meta-ethics and normative ethics. Also explain the difference
between normative media theories and professional media ethics (15) ............................................... 5
1.3 Identify the core characteristics of any three meta-ethical theories. (25) ....................................... 8
Question 2 ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1Explain the origins and main characteristics of four of the six normative media theories that
influence the making of policy for the media, as well as the three normative terms (public
communication values) that can be used to reassess these media theories. (25) ............................... 10
2.2 Legislation often has an impact on the conduct of media workers; using recent case studies from
your own country, fully discuss the impact of legislation on normative media ethics? Also discuss the
dangers involved in the regulation of professional ethics. (20) ........................................................... 13
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 16
SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS [5] .................................................................. 17
References ............................................................................................................................................ 19
2|Page BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Introduction
This assignment provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles
and practical applications of media ethics. It is organised around two central questions
that examine both theoretical underpinnings and real-world implications of ethical
conduct within the media. The first question focuses on the nature of ethics,
distinguishing between meta-ethical theories and normative frameworks, and
assessing their relevance to media practice. The second question considers the
broader context, analysing the development and features of normative media theories
and their connection to public communication values and legislative structures.
Contemporary case studies are incorporated to illustrate the tangible impact of
legislation on ethical decision-making in media. The assignment also includes a self-
assessment and reflective component, highlighting the knowledge, skills, and insights
acquired throughout the process, and concludes with a synthesis of key findings
regarding the complex ethical landscape of the media.
Question 1 The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour or conduct in media practice.
Elaborate on the above statement by doing the following:
1.1Describe, in your own words, what you think ethics and media ethics is about.
Also elaborate on the importance of ethics and how our daily behaviour is often
determined by it? (5)
Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics
Ethics forms the cornerstone of moral and professional conduct in all fields of life,
guiding individuals in differentiating between right and wrong. In the context of media
practice, ethics is particularly important because the media not only reflects society
but also shapes public opinion, values, and behaviour. This essay explores the
meaning of ethics and media ethics, the importance of ethical principles in daily life,
and the role they play in guiding acceptable and unacceptable behaviour within media
practice.
Understanding Ethics
3|Page BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Question 1 The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour or conduct in
media practice. ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Elaborate on the above statement by doing the following: ................................................................... 3
1.1Describe, in your own words, what you think ethics and media ethics is about. Also elaborate on
the importance of ethics and how our daily behaviour is often determined by it? (5) ......................... 3
1.2 Discuss the difference between meta-ethics and normative ethics. Also explain the difference
between normative media theories and professional media ethics (15) ............................................... 5
1.3 Identify the core characteristics of any three meta-ethical theories. (25) ....................................... 8
Question 2 ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1Explain the origins and main characteristics of four of the six normative media theories that
influence the making of policy for the media, as well as the three normative terms (public
communication values) that can be used to reassess these media theories. (25) ............................... 10
2.2 Legislation often has an impact on the conduct of media workers; using recent case studies from
your own country, fully discuss the impact of legislation on normative media ethics? Also discuss the
dangers involved in the regulation of professional ethics. (20) ........................................................... 13
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 16
SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS [5] .................................................................. 17
References ............................................................................................................................................ 19
2|Page BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Introduction
This assignment provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles
and practical applications of media ethics. It is organised around two central questions
that examine both theoretical underpinnings and real-world implications of ethical
conduct within the media. The first question focuses on the nature of ethics,
distinguishing between meta-ethical theories and normative frameworks, and
assessing their relevance to media practice. The second question considers the
broader context, analysing the development and features of normative media theories
and their connection to public communication values and legislative structures.
Contemporary case studies are incorporated to illustrate the tangible impact of
legislation on ethical decision-making in media. The assignment also includes a self-
assessment and reflective component, highlighting the knowledge, skills, and insights
acquired throughout the process, and concludes with a synthesis of key findings
regarding the complex ethical landscape of the media.
Question 1 The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour or conduct in media practice.
Elaborate on the above statement by doing the following:
1.1Describe, in your own words, what you think ethics and media ethics is about.
Also elaborate on the importance of ethics and how our daily behaviour is often
determined by it? (5)
Understanding Ethics and Media Ethics
Ethics forms the cornerstone of moral and professional conduct in all fields of life,
guiding individuals in differentiating between right and wrong. In the context of media
practice, ethics is particularly important because the media not only reflects society
but also shapes public opinion, values, and behaviour. This essay explores the
meaning of ethics and media ethics, the importance of ethical principles in daily life,
and the role they play in guiding acceptable and unacceptable behaviour within media
practice.
Understanding Ethics
3|Page BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
