
- Lack of Attribution: One key indicator is when a journalist fails to give proper credit to the original source of information or ideas. This can involve not citing sources or presenting someone else’s work as their own.
- Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious ethical breach in journalism. It occurs when a journalist copies or closely mimics the work of others without proper citation or permission.
- Fabrication: Fabricating information, quotes, or events is a grave violation of journalistic integrity. Look for inconsistencies or unverified claims in a story.
- Sensationalism: When a journalist exaggerates or sensationalizes facts or events to create a more dramatic story, it can mislead the audience and compromise integrity.
- Bias and Misrepresentation: Journalists should strive for objectivity and fairness. If a journalist consistently presents a one-sided perspective or misrepresents facts to fit a particular narrative, it’s a sign of poor journalism.
- Lack of Verification: Responsible journalism involves thorough fact-checking and verification of sources. When journalists fail to do this, inaccuracies and misinformation can spread.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas may arise in journalism, such as conflicts of interest or accepting bribes for favorable coverage. These actions undermine trust in the profession.