Deception

Deni Elliott

Deception has been an effective tool for investigative reporting for more than 100 years. When used in the pursuit of material that is in the public interest, it has been invaluable in helping the press meet its watchdog function. In those instances, it has been used with audience approval. Deception used by news organizations to tease a potential audience, however, or to unnecessarily add drama to a report results in a loss of credibility. Deception also occurs when news organizations fail to disclose important information in their stories. This also interferes with the trust that is essential for journalists to have with audiences and with story subjects. Deception occurs when someone intentionally acts, or refrains from acting, with the intention to lead one or more persons to form or maintain a false belief. Deception is an ethically questionable act, which means that if there is not adequate justification, the act ...

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