Ethics Petiks: An introduction

Driving the message across is the basic requirement of communication; driving the right message is the challenge. And to complicate things even more, what is right for one communicator may be wrong for his or her audience, or a segment of the audience.

This is where the study of communication ethics comes into play -- for messages to be sensitive, respectful and acceptable to all the audiences whether the communication is interpersonal, public or mass media.

There are basic tenets in communication ethics like TRUTHFULNESS (e.g. in advertising),

Ad Standards Council TVC (2011) "Baby." This ad advocates truth in advertising. (downloaded from youtube)

RESPECT (e.g. for other religion, race),

Photo caption on May 9, 2012 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. PDI already issued an apology. (Photo courtesy of Rappler.com)

CARE, PRUDENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, DIGNITY, DECORUM and many others.

This blog will try to spot recent lapses in communication ethics. Pagiging petiks sa ethics. Blog entries will be provided by communication ethics students of a university up in the mountains of the Cordillera.