Journalism ethics are an important consideration for any aspiring journalist. The SPJ Code of Ethics states that journalists should "Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story." Usual interpretations of this means identifying oneself as a journalist, keeping your recorder out and in the open while recording, and not utilizing other 'underhanded' methods of obtaining information.
But in the case of Mayhill Fowler and the Huffington Post article highlighting Obama's comments about the 'bitter poor' during an event, does disclosure mean stating one's intentions? Fowler obtained an invitation to the event, which was closed to the press, and recorded Obama's remarks. She held up the recording device during the event, as did others (videos were posted of the event on YouTube at a later date). But her use of her recording led to the publishing of an article that nearly derailed Obama's platform. Should she have disclosed her intent to use her record as a source for her story? Did she need to reveal herself as a member of the press with intent to publish what happened during the event to Obama's people? Huffington Post stood by Fowler, stating that there was nothing ethically wrong with her actions. It's a fine line, one that is up to personal and editorial interpretation as to just how far one can push it before that line is crossed.
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