Sample interview questions: Have you ever faced ethical dilemmas in your work as a journalist? If so, how did you handle them?
Sample answer:
Yes, as a broadcast journalist, I have encountered several ethical dilemmas throughout my career. One instance that comes to mind is when I was covering a high-profile criminal trial. The prosecution had requested that journalists refrain from reporting on certain details of the case to ensure a fair trial. However, I received a tip from a reliable source that provided crucial information about the defendant’s background, which could potentially sway public opinion.
Handling this ethical dilemma required careful consideration. Firstly, I needed to verify the information provided by the source to ensure its accuracy. I conducted thorough research and cross-referenced multiple sources to confirm the validity of the information. Once satisfied with its credibility, I faced the difficult decision of whether to report on it or not.
To resolve the ethical dilemma, I consulted with my newsroom’s senior editors and legal counsel. We weighed the importance of informing the public against the potential harm it could cause to the defendant’s right to a fair trial. Ultimately, we decided to withhold the information until after the trial concluded, in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
In this situation, I also took into account the potential impact on the victim’s family. While the information might have generated public interest, it could have caused unnecessary distress or harm to those involved. By prioritizing the ethical standards of journalism and considering the potential conse… Read full answer
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