To begin this assignment, I came up with a list of nine preliminary questions. The aim of these questions was to get the conversation started around moral and ethical decisions and dilemmas in the journalistic workplace. Below is that list.Â
What got you interested in working in the field of writing and reporting?
Did you always know you wanted to do so in the area of entertainment?
You currently work as a writer and reporter for People Magazine, what does your daily routine look like in this job?
How often are you or your colleagues faced with the challenge of an ethical dilemma or the making of an ethical decision?
Are there specific guidelines set by People that you and your team have to follow when an ethical challenge is presented? What are they?
What personal values come into play when these things come up?
Can you tell me about a time where you were faced with making an ethical decision related to your work, even if you were not ultimately the one to make the final call?
Have there been instances where you disagreed with a colleague over how to handle an ethical decision? If so, can you tell me a little bit about that?
Can you reflect on this process of ethics within your field a little bit?
mbeaton@mail.endicott.edu