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THREAD: how anonymity and journalism ethics intersect during the #BlackLivesMatter 
protests.
To clarify, I am a white college student studying journalism. I do not claim to be an expert. I understand that I come from a position of privilege. This is a conversation, not a guide.
protests. To clarify, I am a white college student studying journalism. I do not claim to be an expert. I understand that I come from a position of privilege. This is a conversation, not a guide.
first: what ethical codes to journalists follow?
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics is at the basis of most difficult decisions made by journalists. It is NOT a set of laws, but a guide to help people in the media decide not only what to cover, but how.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics is at the basis of most difficult decisions made by journalists. It is NOT a set of laws, but a guide to help people in the media decide not only what to cover, but how.
The SPJ Code of Ethics is based on 4 tenants
1. Seek the Truth & Report it
2. Minimize Harm
3. Act Independently
4. Be Accountable & Transparent
Below is a photo of the full code, and I will be referencing it often throughout this thread.
1. Seek the Truth & Report it
2. Minimize Harm
3. Act Independently
4. Be Accountable & Transparent
Below is a photo of the full code, and I will be referencing it often throughout this thread.
How does this impact Anonymity:
Keeping sources anonymous is discouraged based on Tenant 1, but to expose protesters’ identities conflicts w/ Tenant 2, as there is a history of white supremacists searching for and harming protesters years after.
Keeping sources anonymous is discouraged based on Tenant 1, but to expose protesters’ identities conflicts w/ Tenant 2, as there is a history of white supremacists searching for and harming protesters years after.
Anonymity also comes into play with photographers. Protestors do not want to be identified but it’s ethically wrong to alter photos. Photographers should be skilled enough to take photos that tell the story without showing people’s identities.
While protestors are assuming risks by joining, a journalist’s actions SHOULD NEVER add risk.
“Be vigilant and courageous about holding those in power accountable. Give a voice to the voiceless.”
Journalists are watchdogs. It is our job to call out the government when there is corruption, and to cover all sides of the story truthfully and accurately.
Journalists are watchdogs. It is our job to call out the government when there is corruption, and to cover all sides of the story truthfully and accurately.
The SPJ code of ethics encourages covering events like these. It is up to those holding the cameras and writing the articles to give Black people the voice they’ve never had in this country.
One of my former professors told me “afflict the comforted and comfort the afflicted” and it’s never left me.
Responsible journalists will cover the country-wide protests while keeping Black lives safe.
Responsible journalists will cover the country-wide protests while keeping Black lives safe.
Responsible journalists will not share the video of any Black person’s death without the proper content warning as to protect Black folks from being forced to see the trauma repeatedly on their newsfeeds and timelines.
Responsible journalists will uplift Black voices, and use their privilege to put the stories in mainstream media, while also minimizing harm towards those protesting.
As I said, I am just a student journalist. I come at this from a position of privilege. This is a conversation. I am open to hearing from anyone about this.
Protect Black Lives. #BlackLivesMatter
Protect Black Lives. #BlackLivesMatter
