News Ethics

The Media's Foul Ball

In 2003, the cubs were in the run for the world series. A foul ball was hit and a fan reached out to try to get the ball. He ended up tipping it causing the left fielder to miss the ball and therefore resulting in a loss for the cubs. Fans were very angry and his identity was kept a secret until videos were replied on television and now he was very recognizable.

OPINIONS:

In my opinion this is an invasion of this man's privacy. It was unethical of the media to replay this video because some fans were very angry and this mistake from the media could potentially lead to harm of this "hapless man". Making it to the world series is a big thing and series cubs fans take these things very personally. The media did not get permission to release these videos and therefore his privacy and identity was invaded.

Using the "Holocaust" Metaphor

An animal rights group, PETA has a new campaign. It says "Holocaust on your plate." This campaign was funded for by a jew but that does not lessen the anger of many other jews. Graphic images and cruel words are being shown in a couple of exhibits. PETA has been sued for this campaign by the central council of jews in Germany. PETA is fighting for their right to continue displaying this campaign.

OPINIONS:

I do not think this is ethically acceptable. Six million human beings were slaughtered and PETA is comparing them to animals. Those whom were killed in the Holocaust have no right to be put down in this manner. People have a right to believe that we shouldn't kill animals but at least we kill them for a reason, so that we can eat. Those six million that died were killed because someone didm;t like them. It is completely and in all ways wrong to compare the Holocaust to the killing and eating of animals.

Aaarhg! Pirates! (and the press)

The Ting Tings' are a famous pop-rock band. Right before they were about to release their new album, all 10 songs were leaked online. Apparently, it is a common occurrence in the music for the songs to be leaked and record producers are not helping this case. Producers like the Rolling Stones and Billboard include links to leaked music causing people to not buy the albums or the songs of these artists.

OPINIONS:
I do not think that this is ethical. These artists have worked hard to produce/make good music for people to listen to. This is their lives and when their songs are leaked, they don't make money. These musicians don't have other jobs and this is their life. These billboards are aiding in the helping the internet community find this music and that is not right.