Media Law And Ethics: The Case Of Obesity Epidemic

872 Words4 Pages

Nichele Rascoe
MCO 300: Media Law and Ethics
Dr. Breslin

The press has a duty to print the truth. Printing the truth is every newsperson’s responsibility, no matter the condition. Truth in media is an ethical code; yet giving an accurate, symbolic account can be scarce due to various conditions. Although truth telling is a significant aspect of newsgathering, the urge to deceive and exaggerate the truth is always a possible temptation because it draws more attention, such as in cases of obesity.
The United States and other countries around the world have to face the epidemic of obesity. Obesity is an issue that centers around the institution of Medical Reports, authorized by the U.S. Congress. The press’s ability to communicate scientific …show more content…

The National Center of Health Statistics reported that the majority of Americans are overweight. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention was directed by Congress to study of the role in which the marketing of beverages and foods effect the public. Obesity is a serious and continuous threat throughout the nation. 65 percent of adults over 20 years old are overweight, and the rate of obesity has gone from 15 percent to 30 percent. Statistical facts are important when writing for the newspaper or running a story, yet the true issue is, who is responsible for causing the obesity problem and what can be done to fix it? 90 percent of news stories consist of surgical solutions and weight control diets were mentioned which aided in some of the publics personal resolution. The touchy subject of socioeconomic changes were mentioned three times and never made an appearance in television news. People in the news have an obligation to always report the truth, but it is difficult to do so without isolating certain people and being …show more content…

More than half the country is obese. Youth is at risk for heart disease, stroke, circulatory problems and even diabetes. The news values truth telling but are cautious about being unsympathetic. The Institute of Medicine values individual health and wants the obesity number to decrease. However, in journalism ethics can be problematic because it is about always being truthful, but ethics also emphasize seeking the greatest good for the greatest number. As far as, obesity goes, the news would have every obligation to expose obesity, whether it is due to individuals with low income, specific genetic make-up, or even fattening school lunches which claim to be healthy for the youth. The news is loyal to reporting the truth. Medical Institutions are loyal to their scientific