Ethical Space: Journal with a Difference

Abstract

Ethical Space is a journal with a difference—based on the premise that many segments of the modern media are neglecting ethical concerns. In a reality of fierce competition, ratings, and economic considerations, ethics becomes a secondary, sometimes irritating issue. The idea, so to speak, is “Let me do my job of reporting and don't trouble me with your morals.” As the media have grown in size, scope, and means of dissemination, so the academic interest in the media has grown. More and more departments of media, journalism, and communication have been established in North America, in Europe, as well as in other parts of the world. More courses on media ethics are being offered to evoke awareness to ethical media concerns that will accompany students in their future work in the field. And more pertinent journals have been established to entertain ethical concerns. But it is an unfair race. Often, economic and financial considerations triumph over ethical considerations. Many academic programs do not hire media ethicists and, if they teach media ethics, the courses are taught by scholars who are not specialists. Often, media ethics courses are not obligatory for all students. Thus they miss the only opportunity they may have to acquire awareness and knowledge of ethical concerns. The commitment of the academic journal, Ethical Space, is to examine significant historical and emerging ethical issues in communication.

Keywords:

• Ethical Space
• journalism ethics
• PR ethics
• communication academics and professionals

Notes

1. Tom Kent, “The Time and Significance of the Kent Commission,” in Helen Holmes and David Taras (eds.), Media, Power and Policy in Canada (Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992), p. 39.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard Keeble

Richard Keeble (PhD., City University, London, 1996) is Professor of Journalism, University of Lincoln, School of Journalism, Main Campus, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK

Raphael Cohen-Almagor

Raphael Cohen-Almagor (D.Phil, Oxford University, 1991) is Professor of Politics, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK