Student Handout
Scruples A Game of Journalists' Dilemmas
Directions: Each student will draw a card or point to a box, read it out loud and offer his/her decision. Then, go around the group and compare each participant's views.
A public official, who you know is about to be indicted, asks that you not publish until he has a chance to talk with his family. Do you honor that request? Explain why or why not. |
A top official provides you with classified information. Do you report on it? Explain why or why not. |
After having access to a candidate's medical records, you learn that a she has a history of mental illness. Do you report on this? Explain why or why not. |
Do you air graphic images of war when the casualties are from your community? Explain why or why not. |
When reporting about a public official, do you publicize his rumored private indiscretions? Explain why or why not. |
You are assigned to report on sex predators who use the Internet to attract minors. Do you pose as a minor in a chat room to expose them? Explain why or why not. |
Do you publish what a particular community may find inflammatory? Explain why or why not. |
Is it acceptable to use hidden cameras to uncover a news story? Explain why or why not. |