Question

Read the scenario.

Joe, a reporter for Main Street News, covered a campaign rally for Jiya Patel, who is running for county commissioner. While at the rally, he interviewed the candidate and some audience members as his research for the article. He then wrote an article describing the rally, the candidate’s platform, and the reasons her supporters believe that she is the best person for this job. When he finished, he turned his article in to his editor. As the editor reviews this story, he sees a public report on campaign donations and learns that Joe has made a sizeable contribution to Patel’s campaign.

What is the most ethical action for the editor to take?

edit the article that was written to make sure it is objective, then run it in tomorrow’s edition of the newspaper
explain to the reporter that the newspaper cannot run the story because of perceived bias based on donations, so the article is being reassigned
discuss the article with the reporter to better understand his affiliation with the candidate and his views on the upcoming local elections
ask a reporter who supports an opposing candidate to read and help edit the article to ensure there is no bias in the reporting

Answer 1

Answer:

explain to the reporter that the newspaper cannot run the story because of perceived bias based on donations, so the article is being reassigned

Explanation:

Due to the donation made this ultimately makes the author biased because he clearly supports that candidate more than others. Therefore, this is the best option to provide unbiased and accountable news to the people.

Answer 2

Answer:

B). Explain to the reporter that the newspaper cannot run the story because of perceived bias based on donations, so the article is being reassigned.

Explanation:

An ethical decision is characterized by the credibility, responsibility, trust, and ethics. Thus, in the given situation the most ethical decision for the editor would be to 'elucidate to the reporter that the newspaper can not run the story as it proposes a biased representation and hence, the article is being reassigned' as the chief job of an editor(following ethics) is to approve the stories that present a precise, fair, and credible information to the audience and let them decide their point of views instead of inserting biased representations to their minds. Thus, option B is the correct answer.