Question

A journalist finds out some damaging information about a city council member and has verified it from several credible sources. There is an upcoming election and this information could seriously affect the outcome.
What is the most ethical behavior for the journalist in this situation?

(1 point)
Responses

The journalist should contact the city council member and see if he will pay her not to report the story.
The journalist should contact the city council member and see if he will pay her not to report the story.

The journalist should write a positive report on the council member and then write a correction to the story with the new information.
The journalist should write a positive report on the council member and then write a correction to the story with the new information.

The journalist should report on the story since she would want to adhere to the first principle of ethical journalism.
The journalist should report on the story since she would want to adhere to the first principle of ethical journalism.

The journalist should avoid writing an article that would cause the city council member to be arrested.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The most ethical behavior for the journalist in this situation is:

**The journalist should report on the story since she would want to adhere to the first principle of ethical journalism.**

This response aligns with the principles of journalistic integrity and the public's right to know, especially when it comes to holding public officials accountable. It is essential for journalists to report verified information, particularly when it pertains to matters that could impact an election and the functioning of government.