Media Ethics: Cases and Moral Reasoning

Through original case studies and analyses of real-life media experiences, Media Ethics challenges readers to think analytically and critically about ethical situations in mediated communication.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical principles of ethical philosophies, facilitating awareness and critical reflection of ethical issues. In each chapter, the authors examine case studies spanning several continents and geopolitical and cultural contexts. To provide a framework for analyzing the cases and exploring the steps in moral reasoning, the book introduces the Potter Box, a powerful tool for moral analysis. Focusing on a wide range of ethical issues faced by media practitioners and news organizations, the cases in this new twelfth edition include the most prominent concerns in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and entertainment today. It explores new topics such as the use of ChatGPT in newsrooms, the privacy implications of biometric technologies, the role of public relations in political campaigns, and advertisers' approach to sustainability and climate change.

This core textbook is ideal for classes in media and communication ethics, journalism, public relations, advertising, entertainment media, and popular culture.

Online instructor and student resources, including video introductions to each chapter, PowerPoint slides, sample discussion and exam questions, and links to further resources, are available at www.routledgelearning.com/mediaethics.

Clifford G. Christians is Research Professor Emeritus of Communications, Professor Emeritus of Journalism, and Professor Emeritus of Media Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA.

Mark Fackler is Professor Emeritus of Communications at Calvin College, USA.

Peggy J. Kreshel is Associate Professor Emeritus of Advertising at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Affiliate Associate Professor Emeritus at the Institute for Women's Studies at the University of Georgia, USA.

William J. Brown is Professor and Research Fellow in the School of Communication and the Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, at Regent University, USA.

Yayu Feng is Assistant Professor in the Department of Emerging Media at the University of St. Thomas, USA.

Holly K. Overton is Associate Professor in the Bellisario College of Communications and Research Director of the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication at the Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Kathy Brittain Richardson is President of Westminster College, Pennsylvania, USA. She is a former Provost and Professor of Communication at Berry College, USA.