Customer Reviews

Media Ethics with PowerWeb : Issues and Cases

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I am a University student studying Public Relations, and I found this book to be very informative and interesting. It also increased my knowledge of communication theories by outlining the different theories and explaning their premises. This was both a review and avenue to increase my knowledge. And the book took it one step further by expounding upon the theories and providing real-life case studies.

These cases were not only interesting; they also brought the theories to life by providing practical application. As a future Public Relations professional who will deal with these issues, I found the case studies to be very helpful.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to futher their knowledge of ethics and the media. It is great for communications students, as well as anyone who deals with ethics issues in the workplace. (That should encompass pretty much everyone!)

Media Ethics is the perfect introductory book for communication students anticipating entering the career realm of mass media. The rhetoric of the book is easy to follow, and quickly draws the reader into its fast moving foundation of ethics. Upon the completion of this book, the reader will have a well-rounded grasp of the history and theory of ethics, be able to think critically, and have a better understanding of self.

Although the book is primarily meant for the ethical education of journalists and public relations students, it touches upon the very foundation of human thought and behavior and therefore is applicable to all. Real-life and hypothetical case studies follow each chapter, which are highly pertinent, thought-provoking, and up-to-date; issues each individual will no doubt face at one point or another.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, because although it supplies one with a wonderful knowledge of ethics, I found it to be a self-discovery book that enables one to truly search inwardly for solutions to thorny ethical dilemmas.

In an Ethics and Moral reasoning class the Professor assigned this book as one of many to help future media practitioners gain some insight into ethical dilemmas we may face. This book has been very helpful to me and, as you can see by other reviews posted, some of my classmates.

We are a group of students nearing graduation who hope to make a difference in the our chosen professions, but clearly we won't be able to do it alone.

The media is often marked as the bad guys, often noticed for their mistakes and, in my opinion, sometimes not given enough credit for their successes. This book helped me get a clear understanding of how difficult the decisions are these professionals have to make. They will most likely never please even the majority, but I feel that if the majority is wrong then it is better to be an ethically minded minority in the right!

Of particular help and interest to me are the case studies at the end of each chapter. These help put the sometimes exhaustive theories into a perspective.

This book is a good overview for those studying ethics in a communications field. It begins by introducing moral systems and then goes through areas where those systems need to be implimented in the media: journalism, PR and advertising.

The strength of this book lies in its cases. It provides many very interesting cases which can be thought through alone or discussed in a class setting.

It is weak in its classification and use of ethic theories. It does not refer to specific theories such as egoism, deontology. etc., though it does address many of these issues implicitly.

If you are looking for a book that applies moral reasoning this book is for you. If you are looking to learn about the history and theories in the field of ethics, try something else.

Patterson and Wilkin's book contains moral dilemmas relevant to basically any field of communications and media studies (public relations, journalism, photojournalism, advertising, you name it). As a university student planning on entering the media world, I have been given a preview at what kinds of issues will undoubtedly surface throughout my career and has helped me to strengthen my moral discernment.The book applies theories to modern-day concerns that affect everyone, but without giving a definitive right or wrong answer

The subject of ethics is perhaps one of the most difficult and abstract of all subjects to define and discuss. Because the practice of ethics varies so much across professions and populations, it is often a concept left to individual theorizing, with little or no general consensus or maxims. Patterson and Wilkins do a superb job of filling this void by providing a text that is both informative and normative, allowing one to assess the issues on his or her own while at the same time providing a framework and persuasive arguments for various ethical approaches. It is, in my mind, the ultimate guidebook for journalism professionals seeking answers to everyday ethical dilemmas. By tackling real issues and problems, Patterson and Wilkins effectively provide guidance and direction in an otherwise confusing ethical world.

I am attending Brigham Young University in the Communications Studies Department. I read this book for a Media Ethics and Moral Reasoning course. This book was an excellent way to learn about different ethical issues in the communications field, in particular journalism.

I can definitely see the ethical dilemma in journalism in regards to the truth. It would be so hard to report on a wide variety of issues. It is hard to be knowledgeable on many topics in order to be able to report the stories accurately.

Through this book, I have formed an opinion that ideally it would be nice to properly present every story and only the most important stories, but that is simply not possible. Truth sometimes is the best that one can do. I do not see news as dishonest or ethically wrong, just the best that can be done with their resources. As long as Patterson and Wilkins suggestion is followed to give further consideration to loyalty to humanity and loyalty to truth.

This book helps form opinions, broaden views, and understand issues. I have also enjoyed the cases that give stories and ethical situations for further discussion and study. I would recommend this book to communications students, scholars, and professors.

The range of theories and perspectives in relation to ethical study is extensive. What I enjoyed in Patterson and Wilkins reading is they not only focus on these theories and perspectives but present case studies relating to the topics discussed in that particular chapter. These case studies give the reader the opportunity to actively use ethical theories and perspectives to find their own viewpoint. They bring life to the ideas presented. They help the reader understand that ethics are an issue in any professional, not only journalism or public relations.

Over the course of my studies I've had the opportunity to read many ethics books. Patterson and Wilkins stood out to me as more useful in helping the reader understand their own ethics. I'd recommend it to an interested reader looking to further analyze their own potential actions.

For anyone who wants to think critically about his or her own ethical framework, this book should join your library. Each chapter discusses an aspect of ethical behavior, similar to many other ethics books. However, at the end of each chapter, Patterson and Wilkins have added several case studies. Reading through each of these cases gave me increasing opportunity to refine my own ethical framework. Patterson and Wilkins also make it easier to dig deep within the issue because they include several questions at the end of each case. These questions are divided into Micro, Midrange and Macro Issues. These exercises helped me see each of these ethical dilemmas from an increasing number of viewpoints besides my own.

Truthfully, everyone should read this book because we all need to define our own ethical behavior and standards. However, for anyone who wants to find a book that will stretch his or her thinking, this book is a must.

I am a communication studies major and currently taking a class on ethics. In this class I have had the opportunity to explore the many perspectives and attitudes regarding ethics. In this book, Patterson & Wilkins employ many examples and cases in which ethical decision-making requires a significant amount of critical thinkings, review of alternatives, and the actual consequences that transpire from a final decision.

This book is an excellent read for those who plan to step into professions such as journalism or public relations. Patterson & Wilkins provide an excellent outline of guidelines, principles, and values needed in evaluating ethical dilemmas, perceptions of truth, the best interest of the public, individual duties and responsibilities, and were one's loyalties may rest. However, the applications offered in this book are of value to anyone who encounters these issues on a personal or professional level.

One of the unique designs of this book is that it promotes developing personal standards of ethics and makes compelling claims that moves one to action and ownership of those actions.

I recommend this book to all! My recommendation of this book is not just limited to those in the formal practice of communication. The issues and cases in this book are practical and representative of the encounters we will each face in ethical decision-making.