Tough call these last few days as the big networks have debated whether to run the cartoons that have led to riots from Muslims. Interesting to read this and see which media outlets have run this and the reasoning. Even sitting outside the editorial space here at a large media company we have discussed this and opinions differ. Certainly you can’t simply look at this as censoring, there has to be concern on publishing an image (or anything) that will certainly ignite such a large group.
The Society of Professional Journalists has this code of ethics:
- Treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.
- Tell the story of the diversity and the magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.
- Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
- Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
- Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
- Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
- Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit is not a license for arrogance.
So that first point is where I think you get stuck. How could you publish those cartoons and still respect Muslims?
