Many journalists aspire to be truthful in their storytelling, and attempt to cater to the audience by displaying researched and intellectually stimulating stories. In most cases the true journalist will admit to going into journalism to fight for the sake of truth and to provide a voice for the people. It would seem the journalistic community are the monitors of ethics and credibility of matters on every level, to challenge and share what needs to be addressed politically, socially, and on many other platforms. With that responsibility, one cannot be too careful to not slander another by gossiping without factual evidence.
There is a difference between libel and gossip. Libel is most definitely seen as wrong in the writing community, because it is caused from laziness of not researching a topic, purposeful defamation, and much more. Gossip is entirely different. Gossip spreads like wildfire, and sells.
“Most of the news items in gossip columns are attributed to anonymous sources – that’s if they’re attributed at all. As for journalistic purpose, a gossip column is about…rumors and speculation, not exactly the foundation of great journalism” Kelly Mcbride said, writer at the Poynter. It would seem that even though it sells numerous copies (or views) and brings in money by the barrel, the sources are not always reliable. Gossip is not at the heart of journalism, but is a cop out for any who want to make a dollar. Even in a permissible setting of a blog specifically set up as a domain for gossip, gossip is not what a journalist wants to be known for. A gossip writer seems to be the lowest of the low of writing positions and has no moral merit.
“Gossip makes a lot of money. Circulation at US Weekly and People Magazine continues to grow. The consumer appetite for gossip appears to be insatiable. This never-ending cycle of supply and demand has led to a new, sophisticated dance between celebrities and journalists,” Mcbride said. One should ask why society is hungry for gossip rather than the truth?
Ethically, a Christian journalist should know that gossip is not pleasing to the Lord. Proverbs 20:19 explains, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” This verse explains that people who gossip or slander are to not be associated with. James 1:26 states, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this persons religion is worthless.” Gossip is a lack of discipline (bridling) of the tongue. A gossiping journalist who does not bridle his tongue seemingly is an individual whose religion is worthless.
William Willimon, professor at Duke University shed light on the topic through his article on ethical activity. “Sally Quinn theorized in the Washington Post that after the Nixon resignation, ‘We were hooked on the heroin of the Watergate scandal and now we needed the methadone of gossip.’ Balzac said that every day in Paris a paper with 100,000 subscribers was produced yet never printed. He was referring to the amazing daily round of gossip.’” These examples show that gossip will never be eliminated. Because gossip will always be prevalent, the need for ethical journalists will grow. As Mcbride would say, ethics do not grow in a vacuum-they are rooted in a community and grow in an individual.
The Caffeinated Nomad 