COM3707
Assignment 2
Semester 2
Due 25 September 2025
, SEMESTER 2
ASSIGNMENT 02
Question 1: Media Ethics
Introduction
This question explores the ethical principles that guide media professionals, examining
both theoretical and practical dimensions. The response begins by defining ethics and
media ethics, followed by a discussion on the significance of ethical behaviour in
everyday and professional settings. The second section unpacks the distinction
between meta-ethics and normative ethics and then distinguishes between normative
media theories and professional media ethics. Lastly, the answer outlines three key
meta-ethical theories and their core characteristics. The aim is to show how ethical
theory underpins decision-making in media practice, ensuring accountability, fairness,
and respect for public values.
1.1 Ethics and Media Ethics (5 marks)
Ethics is the study of moral principles that influence human behaviour what we consider
right or wrong, fair or unjust. It’s not just a set of rules, but a lens through which we
judge actions, motives, and consequences. In daily life, our ethics shape how we treat
others, resolve conflict, or even make simple decisions like whether to return lost
property.
Media ethics, then, refers to the application of these moral principles in the context of
media production and journalism. It deals with questions like: Is it right to publish a
graphic image? Should a journalist reveal a confidential source? The importance of
media ethics lies in the media's immense power to influence public opinion. Ethical
media practice builds public trust, protects the rights of subjects, and ensures the
integrity of information.
1.2 Meta-ethics vs Normative Ethics & Normative Media Theories vs Professional
Media Ethics (15 marks)
Assignment 2
Semester 2
Due 25 September 2025
, SEMESTER 2
ASSIGNMENT 02
Question 1: Media Ethics
Introduction
This question explores the ethical principles that guide media professionals, examining
both theoretical and practical dimensions. The response begins by defining ethics and
media ethics, followed by a discussion on the significance of ethical behaviour in
everyday and professional settings. The second section unpacks the distinction
between meta-ethics and normative ethics and then distinguishes between normative
media theories and professional media ethics. Lastly, the answer outlines three key
meta-ethical theories and their core characteristics. The aim is to show how ethical
theory underpins decision-making in media practice, ensuring accountability, fairness,
and respect for public values.
1.1 Ethics and Media Ethics (5 marks)
Ethics is the study of moral principles that influence human behaviour what we consider
right or wrong, fair or unjust. It’s not just a set of rules, but a lens through which we
judge actions, motives, and consequences. In daily life, our ethics shape how we treat
others, resolve conflict, or even make simple decisions like whether to return lost
property.
Media ethics, then, refers to the application of these moral principles in the context of
media production and journalism. It deals with questions like: Is it right to publish a
graphic image? Should a journalist reveal a confidential source? The importance of
media ethics lies in the media's immense power to influence public opinion. Ethical
media practice builds public trust, protects the rights of subjects, and ensures the
integrity of information.
1.2 Meta-ethics vs Normative Ethics & Normative Media Theories vs Professional
Media Ethics (15 marks)
