COM3707 Assignment 2
(Part A) Semester 2
Memo | Due 25
September 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
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, Exam (elaborations)
COM3707 Assignment 2 (Part A) Semester 2
Memo | Due 25 September 2025
Course
Political and Government Communication and Media Ethics (COM3707)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Media Ethics in the South African Context
COM3707 Assignment 2 (Part A) Semester 2 Memo | Due 25 September
2025. All questions fully answered. PART A MEDIA ETHICS.
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: 1.1 Describe, 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)
1.1 Ethics and Media Ethics
Ethics can be described as a set of moral principles, values, and standards that guide human
behaviour in terms of what is right and wrong. It helps individuals and societies to make fair,
responsible, and just decisions. In our daily lives, ethics influences how we treat others, how we
act in different situations, and the choices we make, whether at home, work, or in public.
Media ethics, on the other hand, refers to the application of these moral principles in the field of
media practice. It is about guiding media professionals on acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour when collecting, producing, and disseminating information. Media ethics addresses
issues such as truthfulness, fairness, accuracy, respect for privacy, avoidance of harm, and
accountability in reporting.
The importance of ethics lies in the fact that it provides a moral compass for decision-making,
ensuring that individuals and professionals act responsibly and maintain public trust. In everyday
life, our behaviour—such as being honest, showing respect, or acting fairly—is often determined
by ethical standards we have adopted from society, culture, religion, or professional codes. In the
media context, ethics is essential because it ensures credibility, prevents misinformation, and
protects the dignity and rights of individuals and communities.
, What Ethics and Media Ethics Are About
Ethics is a set of moral principles that guide an individual's or group's conduct, helping them
distinguish between right and wrong. It's not just about following the law or social norms, but
about a deeper, philosophical understanding of what is considered good and just. Ethics helps us
make reasoned decisions that benefit others and society as a whole, often based on core values
like honesty, fairness, and responsibility.