The author of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi's Code of Ethics traces the history of the code and demonstrates how this and other codes are double?edged swords that demand accountability at the same time they attempt to instill the public with some confidence in journalism. A primary concern over the 1973 SPJ/SDX Code is its concluding clause asking SPJ members to censure wrongdoers in the profession. These ?teeth?; have never been effectively utilized, the author maintains. Journalists are (...) uncomfortable with calling attention to the sins of fellow professionals, and are concerned about due process. Recent efforts to establish enforcement procedures have been futile, garnering little support from SPJ leaders or the rank and file. The author points to the irony of professionals who voluntarily embrace ethical principles but are afraid that those principles will be imposed upon them. (shrink)

Many Americans don't hold journalists in very high regard these days, and sports journalists are often viewed in the least favorable light. The general public does not perceive any visible, unified, and concerted effort among sportswriters to practice their craft in a consistently ethical manner. Efforts to upgrade the craft include the Associated Press Sports Editors ethical guidelines, which cover freebies, moonlighting, community involvement by sports journalists, and commercial sponsors of sporting events. This study examines the APSE code and suggests (...) additional, more specific, and enforceable guidelines in ten areas: freebies, moonlighting, newsgathering methods, news sources, direct quotes, privacy, gambling, special interests, self?interests, and involvements. Sports journalists should be as ethically accountable as any other journalists, the author concludes. (shrink)