Professional-Client Relationships: Rethinking Confidentiality, Harm, and Journalists’ Public Health Duties by Renita
Coleman, Louisiana State University; Thomas May, Medical
College of Wisconsin
Journalists seldom consider the layers of those affected
by their actions; third parties such as families, children, and even
people unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong
time. This paper argues for consideration of the broader group,
considering a range of options available for doing their duty to
inform the public while also minimizing harm to others.
Journalists might compare themselves with other professions
that have similar roles; anthropologists, for one on such issues
as confidentiality and disclosure. A broader lesson is the value
of applying different views, theoretical frameworks, and starting
points to the ethical issues in any profession.
(Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 2002: volume 17.2 Special Issue: Codes of Ethics)