Essay Example on Communicators Responsibility

Communication is essential. Everything revolves around communication. Every profession under the sky relies heavily on communication. It facilitates understanding between one another and enhances connection. It is through communication that one can make their thoughts known and wishes understood. Communication takes different forms, and the sole purpose of communication is to relay a message from one person to another. Without communication, the world would be a chaotic place and a lot of guesswork would be incorporated in establishing the thoughts of others. Similarly, it would be impossible to express one's feelings. Communication can be divided into two broad categories, verbal and non-verbal. The most common used form of communication is verbal. However, we cannot afford to ignore non-verbal communication. It is usually a more severe and deeper form of communication as compared to oral. People may lie about how they feel, but they always show; it is for that reason one should always be careful about the messages they send using body language.

Every profession under the sky has a code of ethics and values that ought to be followed. These regulations enhance professionalism and conduct at the workplace. They facilitate the smooth running of organizations and promote social cohesion in the workplace. Professional codes improve the uniformity of employees hence, enhancing cooperation among them. Professional codes and ethics work as a system of checks and balances when the employer is not there. They are an alternative to the employees otherwise known as servants of the eye. When it comes to communication, ethics matter a great deal. The way you communicate to someone says so much about you.

For the longest time now, the field of journalism has been faced with ethical issues. There are strict codes that regulate this profession, and any wrong move could attract serious charges. Perhaps the most challenging thing about journalism and ethics is striking a balance between the right to privacy and freedom of knowledge. The two are separated by a thin line and is a cause of many cases revolving around journalism. Every day a journalist is faced with the dilemma whether to inform the people or to respect privacy. Sometimes respecting the privacy of an individual or organization can prove to be too much of a risk than exposing the same. For instance, a journalist who chooses to respect the privacy of a terrorist group is liable for the victims of the terrorist act. In most cases, this is not an easy call to make. It is for that reason that a journalist should be a respecter of ethics and moral values (Sanders & Karen).

The way we relay information matters a lot. It is with that respect that individual codes and values guide the field of journalism. Journalists play a significant role in the lives of humans. Although some may perceive their role as merely giving news to people, it goes deeper than that; journalists have the power to arbitrate and amplify events through their communication. Press help people perceive the reality and the world beyond. They help us understand our world and what is needed for us. Just because you can talk and be understood does not mean you can communicate. Communication goes beyond mere talking and listening. It involves drawing the attention of your target audience, initiating a connection and use of proper grammar and communication skills. Most people, however, are not prepared when it comes to written and oral communication. The above can be attributed to the fact that they take these skills lightly and in their own eyes, they seem to be perfectly okay with it. Secondly, they are less bothered with communication skills and assume that provided that they can pass a message across, they are ready to go. Therefore, less attention is paid to language lessons and most so communication skills.

There are many ways through which ethics can be implemented in communication. The first way is through legislation. The government can come up with laws that require desirable codes for communicators. These are the kind of laws that is against hate speeches and disrespectful language especially in the media. A famous philosopher once said that the tongue is but a small and soft piece of flesh yet with it carries the power of life and death. Spoken words are capable of breaking the strongest bonds and destroy great relationships. It is for this reason that people are advised to stay quiet when angry to avoid saying things that they will regret in the future. Words spoken cannot be taken back. The Holy Scripture warns of the power of the tongue.

Besides legislation, there are self-regulatory boards that ensure that journalism ethics and codes are maintained. Such bodies include OFCOM, BBC Trust, and Independent Press Standards Organizations. Since the year 2003, the UK communication industries have been independently regulated by OFCOM. The body gets its mandate from the Communications Act of 2003. Through this organization, the information reaching the consumer through TV, radio and other forms of media are regulated. Similarly, BBC has a self-regulation board known as BBC Trust. However, even with all these boards and regulation bodies, it is almost impossible to filter all the information that is passed through the media. Therefore, the communicator ought to have a good moral judgment to avoid violating these codes. They need to know their boundaries without having to be reminded. If communicators can be more responsible and accountable for their words, the world would be a better place.

Nevertheless, not many journalists share the same sentiments and tend to abuse their freedom of speech. There are limitations affiliated with this freedom, but apparently, some writers fail to realize this. They play blind to moral and ethical values in the name of speaking their mind. Especially journalists in the print industry, they are so reluctant to accept their mistakes, and most of them hide behind the mask of freedom of expression. With great power comes responsibility (Curran & Seaton). What journalists need to know is that having the opportunity to reach the masses, they should be very keen on what information they communicate to the same.

Works Cited

Curran and Seaton (2000). Power without Responsibility. The Press and Broadcasting in Britain, London: Routledge, 5th ed.

Sanders, Karen (2003a). Ethics and journalism? In Karen Sanders (ed.) Ethics and Journalism, London: Sage, pp. 9-13.