COM3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GUIDE FROM UNISA. THE REPORT IS NOT
PREPARED NOR APPROVED BY UNISA, RATHER REPRESENTS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION
TO THE TASK CONSISTENT WITH THEORY OF COM3707. THIS REPORT IS INTENDED TO
ASSIST STUDENTS IN GETTING STARTED WITH THEIR ASSIGNMENT, AND IN NO CASE
THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE USED FOR CHEATING. WE BELIEVE THIS WILL BE A GOOD
STARTING POINT AS IT WAS PREPARED BY OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE
TUTORS WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD, AND IT WAS PREPARED USING VARIOUS
SOURCES. ANY SIMILARITY WITH ANY EXISTING THEORY OR DISCUSSION BY OTHER
AUTHORS IS EXCUSED. THE AUTHORS HOWEVER DO NOT CLAIM MONOPOLY TO
KNOWLEDGE HENCE MODIFICATION OF THE ANSWERS CONTAINED IN THIS
FRAMEWORK MAY NOT BE PROHIBITED AS IT CONTRIBUTES TO EXPANSION OF
KNOWLEDGE. FOR ANY FURTHER GUIDELINE ABOUT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HERE AND THE MODULE IN GENERAL, CONTACT PASSMATE TUTORIALS.
WE ASSIST WITH OTHER MODULES INCLUDING:
ECSs, FACs, MACs, MNGs, INTs, TRLs, HMEMS, PRMs, PROs, MNBs, DSC, QMI,
MNMs, MNO, MNPs, FIN, PUBs, MNMs, RESEARCH among others.
WE OFFER CLASSES, ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES, EXAMINATION PREPARATION,
RESEARCH AND RESEARCH PROPOSALS, DISSERTATION EDITING etc.
OTHER THAN UNISA, WE ALSO ASSIST STUDENTS AT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS
INCLUDING MANCOSA, REGENT, REGEYNESES, BOSTON, STADIO, OLG, UJ, UP etc
For any enquiries the following numbers can be used for calling, sms, whatsapp and
telegram
CONTACT PASSMATE TUTORIALS @061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144 or
email
,COM3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
Introduction
This assignment provides a comprehensive exploration of the foundational principles and
practical applications of media ethics. The analysis is structured around two central
questions designed to probe both the theoretical underpinnings and the real-world
implications of ethical conduct in media. The first question delves into the nature of ethics
itself, distinguishing between meta-ethical theories and normative frameworks, and
examining their relevance to media practice. The second question shifts focus to the
macro level, analysing the origins and characteristics of normative media theories and
their interaction with public communication values and legislative frameworks. This
discussion will be supported by contemporary case studies to illustrate the tangible impact
of legislation on media ethics. Furthermore, this submission includes a self-assessment
and reflection on the knowledge and skills acquired through this process, concluding with
a summary of the key insights garnered from this study into 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
, COM3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
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
Ethics can be defined as a branch of philosophy concerned with morality and human
conduct. It focuses on determining what actions are permissible, impermissible, or
obligatory in different contexts (Beauchamp et al., 2019). Fundamentally, ethics helps
individuals and societies establish values and rules that regulate behaviour. For instance,
decisions related to honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability are influenced by
ethical considerations (Oosthuizen, 2002).
In daily life, ethics plays a critical role in shaping behaviour. People are constantly faced
with moral dilemmas such as whether to tell the truth or conceal information and these
decisions often reflect their ethical orientations (Shaw, 2021). Without ethical guidance,
individuals and societies would struggle to maintain trust, justice, and order.
Media Ethics Defined
Media ethics refers to the application of ethical principles within the media industry. It sets
boundaries for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour among journalists, broadcasters,
editors, and media institutions (Christians et al., 2020). As the media wields enormous
influence in shaping public opinion, it carries a responsibility to uphold standards of truth,
fairness, balance, and impartiality.
According to McNair (2017), media ethics involves questions of accuracy, privacy, respect
for human dignity, and accountability to the public. It also addresses issues such as
sensationalism, propaganda, political bias, and the manipulation of facts. By establishing
these boundaries, media ethics provides a framework for responsible media practice.
The Importance of Media Ethics
Media ethics is essential because the media acts as a watchdog of democracy, holding
those in power accountable (Berger, 2010). Without ethical standards, the media could
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GUIDE FROM UNISA. THE REPORT IS NOT
PREPARED NOR APPROVED BY UNISA, RATHER REPRESENTS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION
TO THE TASK CONSISTENT WITH THEORY OF COM3707. THIS REPORT IS INTENDED TO
ASSIST STUDENTS IN GETTING STARTED WITH THEIR ASSIGNMENT, AND IN NO CASE
THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE USED FOR CHEATING. WE BELIEVE THIS WILL BE A GOOD
STARTING POINT AS IT WAS PREPARED BY OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE
TUTORS WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD, AND IT WAS PREPARED USING VARIOUS
SOURCES. ANY SIMILARITY WITH ANY EXISTING THEORY OR DISCUSSION BY OTHER
AUTHORS IS EXCUSED. THE AUTHORS HOWEVER DO NOT CLAIM MONOPOLY TO
KNOWLEDGE HENCE MODIFICATION OF THE ANSWERS CONTAINED IN THIS
FRAMEWORK MAY NOT BE PROHIBITED AS IT CONTRIBUTES TO EXPANSION OF
KNOWLEDGE. FOR ANY FURTHER GUIDELINE ABOUT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HERE AND THE MODULE IN GENERAL, CONTACT PASSMATE TUTORIALS.
WE ASSIST WITH OTHER MODULES INCLUDING:
ECSs, FACs, MACs, MNGs, INTs, TRLs, HMEMS, PRMs, PROs, MNBs, DSC, QMI,
MNMs, MNO, MNPs, FIN, PUBs, MNMs, RESEARCH among others.
WE OFFER CLASSES, ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES, EXAMINATION PREPARATION,
RESEARCH AND RESEARCH PROPOSALS, DISSERTATION EDITING etc.
OTHER THAN UNISA, WE ALSO ASSIST STUDENTS AT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS
INCLUDING MANCOSA, REGENT, REGEYNESES, BOSTON, STADIO, OLG, UJ, UP etc
For any enquiries the following numbers can be used for calling, sms, whatsapp and
telegram
CONTACT PASSMATE TUTORIALS @061 262 1185/068 053 8213/0717 513 144 or
,COM3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
Introduction
This assignment provides a comprehensive exploration of the foundational principles and
practical applications of media ethics. The analysis is structured around two central
questions designed to probe both the theoretical underpinnings and the real-world
implications of ethical conduct in media. The first question delves into the nature of ethics
itself, distinguishing between meta-ethical theories and normative frameworks, and
examining their relevance to media practice. The second question shifts focus to the
macro level, analysing the origins and characteristics of normative media theories and
their interaction with public communication values and legislative frameworks. This
discussion will be supported by contemporary case studies to illustrate the tangible impact
of legislation on media ethics. Furthermore, this submission includes a self-assessment
and reflection on the knowledge and skills acquired through this process, concluding with
a summary of the key insights garnered from this study into 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
, COM3707 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
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
Ethics can be defined as a branch of philosophy concerned with morality and human
conduct. It focuses on determining what actions are permissible, impermissible, or
obligatory in different contexts (Beauchamp et al., 2019). Fundamentally, ethics helps
individuals and societies establish values and rules that regulate behaviour. For instance,
decisions related to honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability are influenced by
ethical considerations (Oosthuizen, 2002).
In daily life, ethics plays a critical role in shaping behaviour. People are constantly faced
with moral dilemmas such as whether to tell the truth or conceal information and these
decisions often reflect their ethical orientations (Shaw, 2021). Without ethical guidance,
individuals and societies would struggle to maintain trust, justice, and order.
Media Ethics Defined
Media ethics refers to the application of ethical principles within the media industry. It sets
boundaries for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour among journalists, broadcasters,
editors, and media institutions (Christians et al., 2020). As the media wields enormous
influence in shaping public opinion, it carries a responsibility to uphold standards of truth,
fairness, balance, and impartiality.
According to McNair (2017), media ethics involves questions of accuracy, privacy, respect
for human dignity, and accountability to the public. It also addresses issues such as
sensationalism, propaganda, political bias, and the manipulation of facts. By establishing
these boundaries, media ethics provides a framework for responsible media practice.
The Importance of Media Ethics
Media ethics is essential because the media acts as a watchdog of democracy, holding
those in power accountable (Berger, 2010). Without ethical standards, the media could
