Christian Ethics in Journalism

Ethics in journalism is the quintessential character expected of any media outlet, without which truth will not be reported, and justice eludes the deserved as the aftermath. Gathering, updating, and providing correct information throughout a news story’s life is one of the tenets of Professional Journalism. Most stories will have at least two sides; impartial and balanced reporting will build trust with its consumers. It is expected of journalists to act independently of special interests, whether political or cultural and be conscious of the impact created by their words and images on others.

The integrity of the Word of God lies in the fact that the inspired writers of the history books reported what they found to be true. Holy Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of Truth, aligned the writers over the centuries to communicate what is factual and truthful irrespective of the shortcomings and failures of the protagonists in their respective books; and this is proved through the precise interlinkage of what is written over a span of 1600 years. We believe the Bible as the communicated Word of God not only because of our religious affiliation but also because it is divinely inspired for its trusted accuracy! If the truth of the Word is in question, then our salvation is in question. If our salvation is in question, then our eternity is in question. If our eternity is in question, then our conduct on earth can be according to the worldly patterns of eating, drinking, and making merry to live according to the lusts! If our behavior is such, then we are no different from the people of this world system; all that we do in the name of the Lord Jesus is vanity. But that is not the case since we believe and practice the written and revealed Word of God.

As Christians who are led by the Spirit, we have a responsibility to be ethical in our journalistic practices not to mislead those who consume our content. The recent reporting of the U.S. Presidential elections by mainstream media have put many innocent minds at odds with the truth. The incorrect and preposterous declarations followed by the deluge of conspiracy theories that are still unfolding have only confused the general populace of what to believe. This, sadly, is undercutting the fundamental precepts of fair journalism. In such a time as this, it is expedient that we refrain from spreading falsehood and wait for the electors in each State of the U.S. to complete their Certificates of Vote and the Congress to declare the winner. Irrespective of who wins an election, and no matter which media chimes for one candidate, let us as children of the Great King do our due diligence to pray and wait for His will to come to pass and for truth and justice to prevail!