Bloggers

This week in class we are studying the Food Bloggers Code of Ethics. Part of the discussion includes whether bloggers should follow a code of ethics. I recently took a look at the “Top 15 Most Popular Blogs” on http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/blogs. As of October 2014, www.tmz.com ranks number two on the list. Celebrity blogs are entertaining and serve as a great way to pass the time, but I began to consider if TMZ violates the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp. In addition, should the site even have to follow the code of ethics?

Right now, one of the top stories on the site is Kris Jenner Calls Transsexual Talk RE: Bruce ‘Silly’ http://www.tmz.com/2014/10/20/kris-jenner-bruce-jenner-transsexual-nbc-today-hoda-kotb-divorce-dating/. The short synopsis of the story given by TMZ, discusses Kris Jenner’s interview with Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show on October 20, 2014. In the interview Kris and Hoda discuss Kris’s new cookbook, but Hoda also takes the opportunity to discuss the rumors surrounding Kris’s soon to be ex-husband, Bruce Jenner. While the segment had more “meat” than the gossip portion, TMZ chose to focus on Kris’s comments about Bruce. Kris was calm and kind when discussing the topic with Hoda, but TMZ used the word “Hysterical” to describe the conversation. Although TMZ posted the “gossip” portion of the interview, their summery of the conversation gave an impression of it being more salacious than it actually was.

            As far as the Society of Professional Journalist Code of Ethics, in this case I don’t think TMZ violates the code. While the outlets choice of words used to summarize the segment could have been better, they did cite their source and provided video of the segment for reference. I think when blogging, the rules of the traditional journalism code of ethics can be bent just a little depending on the blog topic. In the case of a gossip site, the point is to use words to draw in excitement and wonder to readers. As long as they cite all sources and search for truthful information, then I don’t see a problem.  In fact, TMZ is one of the most trusted sources for celebrity information, as they do research and check facts before blogging. I’m not sure how they do it, but they always seem to have proof on some of their biggest stories. At least it’s good to know they follow some kind of code of ethics.