Which statement best describes the role of journalism codes of ethics in social studies media?

• A. They are optional guidelines with no enforcement
• B. They guide truthfulness, independence, accountability, and minimizing harm
• C. They set legal penalties for journalists who err
• D. They guarantee absolute objectivity in every report

Answer: (B)

Journalism codes of ethics establish professional standards that guide how social studies media should report. They emphasize truthfulness through fact-checking, verification, and correcting errors; independence by avoiding conflicts of interest and resisting outside pressure; accountability by being answerable to the public and to the ethical profession; and the aim to minimize harm by considering the impact of reporting on people and communities and by protecting sources when appropriate. These codes are voluntary guidelines that influence behavior rather than laws with penalties. They also don’t promise absolute objectivity; journalists strive for fairness and transparency about methods and potential biases, recognizing that complete objectivity isn’t possible.