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Abstract
This case study applies ethics theories and codes to the mainstream news media's response to the CBS News-National Guard forged documents fiasco of 2004. It finds that 177 newspaper editorials applied truth telling, accountability, independence, and stewardship principles in their criticism of CBS, but only in a limited way. While the editorials dealt well with the specific issues of the case, they missed an opportunity to discuss the broader ethical principles involved.
Notes
1The beginning date is the day following the 60 Minutes broadcast, though the first editorial did not appear until September 11. The ending date is three days after Dan Rather stepped down as anchor of the CBS Evening News. The final editorials actually appeared on March 11.