Today we live and interact in a highly mediated system. The enormous amount of information produced and distributed daily by mass media can have a significant impact on how people, communities and societies understand (or misunderstand) each other. Whether considered a fourth estate, a supervisory body or a pillar of democracy, the press is undoubtedly an essential element of the public sphere. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. However, the media faces several challenges that include competition and pressure to publish information before others and make it credible. With so many constraints, the media should live up to its increasingly demanding audiences. Journalism, in fact, must not only aim to be intrinsically truthful and honest, but must also actively demonstrate its value in the public sphere. In other words, he must demonstrate that he has a solid sense of ethics. It is a fact that once information has entered the public space, it is difficult to take it back. Therefore, it is imperative that those working in the information and news production sector are equipped with the necessary skills and mechanisms to process, report and represent information along ethical lines. Journalistic ethics consists of the standardized principles of belief, conscience, conduct and good practice or assistance in decision making in relation to the perplexing challenges and moral questions faced by a journalist. The fundamental objective of journalism is to serve the people with fair and impartial news, comment, opinion and information on all matters affecting public interest in an impartial and accurate manner, using decent language and appropriate manner. Journalists should follow a list of dos and don'ts so as to protect people and at the same time carry out their work as truthfully as possible. Trust, fairness and accuracy are the key principles of ethical journalism, which guarantee the positive role that the media must play, establishing credibility against rumors and fictions. Impartiality must be guaranteed, as most stories have two contrasting sides, stories to be told from a balanced, unprejudiced and contextualized point of view. Therefore, the report cannot be defamatory of an organization or individual without sufficient verification and evidence. And impartiality can only be guaranteed when the media functions as an independent institution, without strict control and censorship by the government. The truth should be the ultimate goal and the journalist should be responsible for the information he spreads. It is not always possible to guarantee the "truth", so journalists should try to be accurate by providing the most relevant information possible. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion the influence of the media is expansive enough to make or break a person, an institution or any thought. With so much strength and privilege, the media cannot lose sight of its powers, duties and obligations.