Inside the Ivory Tower: How Student Journalists Reason About Ethics

Abstract

This article presents an interview study that investigates student journalists’ perception of ethics and moral reasoning. It aims to understand how student journalists–an important indicator for the future of journalism, yet an understudied group–perceive and practice ethics. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with student journalists from three different independent college newsrooms. The findings suggested that the student journalists have an instrumental perceptions of ethics, seeing ethics as rules that must be followed. When confronted with ethical dilemmas, which the student journalists may misidentify, they tend to consult editors and follow advice without asking for explanations. Most student reporters demonstrate moral reasoning at Kohlberg’s preconventional and conventional levels, with editors reaching the post-conventional level. The findings underscore the necessity for a more integrated ethics education. Based on the results, the article raises concerns, points out challenges, and suggests opportunities for ethics education in student media.