In democratic political systems, public officials are accountable through the media to the people. That responsibility to be accountable comes with public office. It is not a marketable commodity.
Some argue that news coverage of shootings is too sanitized.
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According to a photojournalism expert, there can be a relationship between exposure to grisly images and activism. But there are also ethical considerations to be made.
Media portrayals of mass murderers may do more harm than good.
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Media reporting of the Barnaby Joyce affair would have been so much better if journalists had established substantial public-interest justifications before breaking the story.
The Joyce affair comes against a background of the public hating politicians and deeply distrusting the media.
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It’s increasingly difficult for investigative journalists to hold governments to account – partly due to anti-terror and security laws making it harder for whistleblowers to act.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will hold just one seat in the Queensland parliament following the state election.
AAP/Dave Hunt
Australian news editors and politicians give their views on the ethical issues arising when reporters return to journalism after time as a political spin doctor.
Cory Bernardi’s views on same-sex marriage may be crude and ignorant, but the media are nonetheless obligated to report how he uses his power.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Buzzfeed is being damned for publishing unverified and salacious information about the president-elect, raising questions about media ethics in the digital world.
Football figure James Hird is recovering following a suspected drug overdose last week.
AAP/Tracey Nearmy
An ACMA investigation of Andrew Bolt raises questions of fair and accurate reporting, the clash over facts, fair comment and the right of readers and viewers to be fully informed.
In attempting to avoid labelling killers as terrorists, some have shifted focus to their mental health issues.
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Efforts to avoid stigmatising people from Muslim backgrounds seem to be coming at the unexpected cost of adding stigma to those with mental health issues.
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, AMREP Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne & Senior Medical Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician, Melbourne Oncology Group, Cabrini Haematology and Oncology Centre, Wattletree Road, Malvern, Monash University