, COM3707 Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
DUE 25 September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
PART A MEDIA ETHICS. Question 1
The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable behavior 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 behavior is often
determined by it? (5)
Ethics in general
Ethics refers to the principles and values that guide human behavior in
distinguishing between what is right and wrong. It provides a framework for
making responsible decisions and evaluating how our actions affect others. Ethics
is not just about following laws, but about acting in a way that respects fairness,
honesty, dignity, and social responsibility.
Media ethics
Media ethics is a specific application of ethical principles to the field of
communication and media. It examines what is acceptable or unacceptable conduct
for journalists, broadcasters, advertisers, and other media professionals. It involves
issues such as truth-telling, fairness, avoiding harm, protecting privacy, and
resisting bias or manipulation.
Importance of ethics in daily life
Ethics influences our everyday decisions—even small ones. For example, choosing
to be honest in a conversation, treating others with respect, or keeping a promise all
reflect ethical choices. In media, ethical conduct ensures that information shared
with the public is credible and that media institutions build trust rather than exploit
audiences. Without ethics, both society and media practices risk falling into
manipulation, sensationalism, and harmful behavior.
Semester 2 2025
DUE 25 September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
PART A MEDIA ETHICS. Question 1
The term “media ethics” refers to acceptable and unacceptable behavior 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 behavior is often
determined by it? (5)
Ethics in general
Ethics refers to the principles and values that guide human behavior in
distinguishing between what is right and wrong. It provides a framework for
making responsible decisions and evaluating how our actions affect others. Ethics
is not just about following laws, but about acting in a way that respects fairness,
honesty, dignity, and social responsibility.
Media ethics
Media ethics is a specific application of ethical principles to the field of
communication and media. It examines what is acceptable or unacceptable conduct
for journalists, broadcasters, advertisers, and other media professionals. It involves
issues such as truth-telling, fairness, avoiding harm, protecting privacy, and
resisting bias or manipulation.
Importance of ethics in daily life
Ethics influences our everyday decisions—even small ones. For example, choosing
to be honest in a conversation, treating others with respect, or keeping a promise all
reflect ethical choices. In media, ethical conduct ensures that information shared
with the public is credible and that media institutions build trust rather than exploit
audiences. Without ethics, both society and media practices risk falling into
manipulation, sensationalism, and harmful behavior.
