Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Journalism's first obligation is not the truth.
Statement II: Journalism's practitioners must maintain dependence from those they cover.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Exam Tip:
Journalism Ethics:

• Truth and accuracy.
• Independence and objectivity.
• Fairness and impartiality.
• Accountability. Journalism's first obligation is to the truth, and journalists must remain independent from those they cover.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of the principles of journalism and the ethical responsibilities of journalists.

Step 2: Evaluating Statement I:
Statement I says: "Journalism's first obligation is not the truth."
This statement is incorrect.

• The primary obligation of journalism is to report the truth.
• Journalists are expected to be accurate, fair, and objective in their reporting.
• Truth-seeking is the fundamental ethical principle of journalism.
• The statement contradicts the core value of journalism. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect.

Step 3: Evaluating Statement II:
Statement II says: "Journalism's practitioners must maintain dependence from those they cover."
This statement is correct.

• Journalists must maintain independence from the people and organizations they cover.
• This means they should not have any conflicts of interest and should not be influenced by the subjects of their reporting.
• Independence ensures that the reporting is objective and unbiased.
• The statement likely meant "independence," but "dependence" is the opposite.
• Upon closer reading, "maintain independence" is the correct principle. The statement says "dependence," which is a typo or reversal.
• However, in the context of journalism ethics, the correct principle is to maintain independence from those they cover. The statement might have intended to say "independence."
• If we interpret it as "must maintain independence from those they cover," it is a correct statement. Therefore, Statement II is correct (interpreting it as independence).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct. Therefore, option (D) is correct.