A Framework for Evaluating Coverage of Ethics in Professions and Society

Abstract

Media scholars have used ethical theory extensively to evaluate journalists' own ethical practices. However, they have given little attention to how ethical theory could be used to assess the way journalists cover the ethics of others. In light of the important role that medicine and other professions play in the lives of individuals and society, this article proposes a framework to evaluate news coverage of ethical issues that involve professions and in society. After making the case for the need for this framework, the article describes the framework itself and the rationale for each component. Finally, ideas for applying the framework in future research are suggested.