How to Analyze a
Media Ethics Case
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Read case at normal speed.
Read again carefully and make notes in
the margin about the values, principles,
and loyalties that you think best apply if
you were making the decision.
Identify the four elements in Potter’s Box.
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Potter’s Box
1
4
Facts
Loyalties
3
2
Values
Principles
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1.
FACTS – List the facts in the situation.
2.
VALUES – Just list the values, and why
you chose the ones you did (one is fine,
and no more than three).
3.
PRINCIPLES– Use just one principle and
write why that principle applies to the
situation.
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4.
LOYALTIES– What are the most important
loyalties involved in making a judgment
and why you chose the loyalties you did
(one is fine, and no more than two).
5.
JUDGMENT– Justify why you made the
final judgment you made.
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Your judgment must be logically consistent
with your values, principles and loyalties.
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VALUES
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Journalistic, free speech
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Legal
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Patriotic
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Religious
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Freedom-based (freedom of choice, freedom of
expression, artistic freedom, e.g.)
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Truthtelling
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Equality
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Right to privacy
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JOURNALISTIC VALUES
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Hutchins Commission on Freedom of the
Press
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A truthful, comprehensive, and intelligent
account of the day’s events in a context
which gives them meaning
A forum for the exchange of comment and
criticism
The projection of a representative picture of
the constituent groups in society
The presentation and clarification of the goals
and values of the society
Full access to the day’s intelligence
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JOURNALISTIC VALUES
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RTNDA Code of Ethics
Public Trust: Professional journalists should
recognize that their first obligation is to the
public.
Truth
Fairness
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Not necessarily balance
Integrity
Independence
Accountability
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PRINCIPLES
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Aristotle’s Mean
• BASIC CONCEPT: Negotiated
compromise between two extremes
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PRINCIPLES
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Kant’s Categorical Imperative
• BASIC CONCEPT: What is right for
one is right for everyone for all time.
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PRINCIPLES
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Mill’s Principle of Utility (Utilitarianism)
• BASIC CONCEPT: The greatest good
for the greatest number of people.
• Doesn’t protect the rights of
individuals or minorities.
Authoritarian.
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PRINCIPLES
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Rawl’s Veil of Ignorance
(Egalitarianism)
• BASIC CONCEPT: Fairness
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PRINCIPLES
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Judeo-Christian Persons as Ends
• BASIC CONCEPT: Compassion
and inclusiveness
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LOYALTIES
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Duty to your conscience
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Duty to clients/subscribers/readers/supporters
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Duty to your organization or firm
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Duty to your professional colleagues
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Duty to society
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Duty to the truth
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Duty to entertainment
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Duty to art
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Duty to commerce
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1
4
Facts
Loyalties
Judgment
3
2
Values
Principles
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JUDGMENT
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There are no “right“ judgments. You
will be evaluated on the logical
consistency of your decision.
Properly formatted references to
required reading are critical in all
sections, but especially in the
Judgment section.
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See “How to Write a Media Ethics Case
Analysis” for proper format for references.
You don’t have to restrict references to
required or recommended reading.
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Extra brownie points
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