ABSTRACT

In 2012, the conservative magazine, The National Review, published a cover photo of President Obama in front of an audience holding numerous signs that read “Abortion.” This cover was altered from a photo, originally shot by a photographer from Reuters News Agency, that showed a crowd carrying signs that read “Forward.”. This original case study will evaluate The National Review editor’s decision to manipulate the photo by applying the TARES Test, which is a five-step method for analyzing a message’s persuasion: truthfulness, authenticity, respect, equity, and social responsibility. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, the assertion “that an individual should act as if the choices one makes for oneself could become universal law”, will be applied to this case study. The conclusion of this original case study will answer the following questions:

1. Micro Question: The National Review credited the original photographers of the image. What ethical issues are raised by not disclosing that it was an altered photograph?

2. Midrange Question: The National Review's publisher, Jack Fowler, released an apology after the publication was released. Was Fowler's apology sufficient?

3. Macro Question: Discuss whether photo manipulation in journalism is ever acceptable.