“Privacy is something we maintain for the good of ourselves and others” Author Mary Alice Monroe (2002). For “without privacy there is absolutely no point in being an individual” Author Jonathan Franzen (2010).
Privacy is a prerequisite to all aspects of life, especially in the realm of Journalism. Media personnel have the responsibility of reporting factual information to the public by seeking the truth and reporting the truth. According to the Society of Professional Journalists (1996), media standards and ethics implores all media houses and personnel to take into consideration the safety of their sources when reporting factual and current news, this safety precaution is taken through what is known as the privacy and confidentiality act. However, ways to ensure that the privacy amongst media personnel and its source(s) are upheld will be through sustaining the anonymity of its source(s), maintaining confidentiality and the
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If for any reason anonymity and confidentiality cannot be granted it should be stated clearly before proceeding with the interview, as misleading/misinforming its source(s) should lead to the termination of the media personnel and media houses licenses for the offense of misguiding its source(s). Consequently, for breaches of anonymity and confidentiality agreement made between both parties (media houses/personnel and source) they should find themselves encountering a law suit for the misdemeanor. Laurence (1992). In addition to that the suspension of broadcast licenses should be implemented to ensure that personnel “practice what they preach”, that is they should follow through with their end of the agreement, to preserve and control the privacy, trust and confidentiality between its sources for their own safety and or