A journalist understanding the ethics of their profession is essential, but the drama-saturated world of Hollywood has the capability to blur those lines. In the convoluted world of entertainment news and its social media discourse, aspiring journalists must identify and navigate these ethics. Here are the thoughts of eight student journalists.
“One can easily play devil’s advocate and acknowledge that actors have had their own personal issues aired out by the press for nearly 80 years. No one chases fame anymore without knowledge of the cost. I sometimes believe that the lines are perhaps too blurred. For example, child stars and young influencers should not be treated by journalists the same way that adult celebrities are. I think back to Billie Eilish for example, who was sexualized widely on the internet before the age of 18. The same goes for Britney Spears and Natalie Portman, who have been very open about the long term effects of this. ” -Sydney Rowley
“I think that as journalists who are interested in the entertainment industry, many times we become part of the Hollywood scene. It can be difficult to not be absorbed by the life of glamour and fame that surrounds us when we attend so many events, interview celebrities, and are always fully aware of the daily news in Hollywood. The line between journalist and celebrity can also become blurry when journalists start acquiring prestige and fame in the entertainment industry. Countless hosts and interviewers have risen and become famous figures that are reported on, covered in the news, and hold certain prestige in the Hollywood stage. Oprah Winfrey, and Maria Menounos, are a few of the many examples we have seen throughout the years.” –Catalina Perez de Arminan
“Social media and celebrity culture make it difficult for a journalist to stay ethical in terms of comparing rumors vs facts. Writing about something exclusive or dealing with a rumor can be hard to write about if you are unable to confirm the source. Another issue that comes up is a lot of people in the “Hollywood Industry” have the power to decline certain topics for questions or have an interview completed deleted simply because they have the power to do so. Overall if a journalist wants to follow ethical guidelines they must be able to fact check their sources. To ensure they are causing no harm in publicizing a certain story. Focusing on having factual information rather than publishing first and having incorrect information.” – Ashly Ibarra
“The ethic of covering O.J. Simpson’s case is very difficult to decide and really is a grey zone. It is O.J. Simpson’s freedom of speech to deliver his side of his story and as a journalist, I think the ethic of journalism is to make a platform for people to share unheard voices and opinions. Nevertheless, I understand the networks’ perspective of not buying the exclusive video. It is understandable that while curating and choosing content to broadcast, they are hesitant about viewers’ reaction and backlash.”- Maria Sato
“When thinking about ethics in journalism I think a lot about Bob Saget’s death and how his family wants to keep his death investigation confidential. Is it really ethical to push for that information even though it goes against his family’s wishes? Also how does someone report on a story like this in an ethical way?” -Sophia Karesh
“Since taking the time to really read profiles in artistic and diverse papers, I can see through more of the superficial and find appreciation in entertainment journalism for what it is; taking the individual for who they are and connecting. Without journalists demystifying celebrities, or explaining their choices and highly watched moves, we can come to terms with the influence our parasocial and perfected nature of Hollywood can have; too much most of the time. It’s important to have people in every field who protect the truth. ” – Delaney Hyldburg
“Hollywood is a very complicated place with a lot of different personalities, so making sure that you cover it with integrity and knowing the stakes of your actions as a reporter is important. Most of the people that are being covered are extremely popular public figures, so any reporting that may be unethical becomes that much more egregious.” – RJ Dziejma
“There is a certain aspect in celebrity reporting that makes the ethics a bit murky. That aspect is the fact that celebrities have made their fortunes, their entire careers, off of putting themselves in the spotlight. Some would argue that creates a sort of social contract that states the public is entitled to following their everyday lives and scandals in return for making them rich and famous. And to a certain degree, I agree with that. If you put yourself out there it is kind of fair game for reporters. But I also believe people have the right to privacy even if they normally put themselves out for the public to see.” – Sydney Britt