Social Media: Do Old Journalism Ethics Apply?

Dan Trevas, chair of the Ohio State Bar Association’s media law committee, will lead a discussion on journalism ethics on April 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Plank’s Cafe and Pizzeria on Parsons Ave. Come for free pizza and stay for a lively discussion of topics such as:

• The reliability of “mass communications.” Who verifies all of this information? How journalists need to check online sources.
• Journalists vs. bloggers – do the same rules apply?
• Journalists are supposed to hold themselves to a “higher standard.” What is the value today of being principled when competing for time, sources and reliability?
• Accuracy vs. timeliness. Can you afford not to be first?
• Do traditional standards for anonymous sources still apply?
• Source/journalist relationships. What has changed?
• Your personal social media pages and your work. When are you on and off the clock?
• Private citizens vs. public exposure. What recourse does a person have when they become online fodder? Should we dust off the rules for “false light?”

The event is free, but please RSVP by April 25 at 2012spjethics.eventbrite.com.