Includes bibliographical references and index.

Principles and guidelines -- The search for principles -- Accountability -- The study of ethics -- Telling the truth -- Truth and objectivity -- Errors and corrections -- Diversity -- Faking the news -- Reporting the news -- Reporters and their sources -- Privacy -- The government watch -- Deception -- Compassion -- Conflicts of interest -- The business of news -- Journalists and their communities -- Freebies and financial concerns.

Smith (journalism, U. of Central Florida) presents a fully updated edition of this text for journalism students, scholars, faculty, and professionals. The fifth edition includes a new chapter on the philosophy of ethics, considering the teachings of classical and modern philosophies and their influence on contemporary ethical conduct; section- ending case studies with discussion questions to apply concepts from each section's chapters; and expanded coverage of media critics, journalism and truth in the postmodern era, photo manipulation and ethics, undercover journalism, and corporate news ownership. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)