Explain how ethical frameworks are related to human actions. In other words, how do ethics influence what people have done and currently do in relation to your chosen topic?

Competency
In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competency:

Explain how ethical frameworks aid in understanding human actions
Scenario
You are a journalist at a small, local newspaper, serving on the editorial board. Your paper has recently been acquired by a larger media group. As a result of the acquisition, your paper is rebranding and expanding its focus beyond local issues. You are now being asked to cover national and international topics of significance, including issues ranging from economic and social justice to war and sustainable peace.

Part of your job is to work with your colleagues on the editorial board to establish the paper’s general approach and editorial standards. With the expansion of the paper to a larger audience and to reporting on national and international topics, it will be important to take into consideration various cultural differences and ethical frameworks.
Your task is to choose a topic from the list in the Project Topics document (from the Supporting Materials section) and develop a report outlining the relevant ethical frameworks to guide coverage and editorial decisions regarding the issue.

Directions

In your report to the editorial board, outline and explain how various ethical frameworks can inform the newspaper’s coverage of key topics. Note that this is different from taking a concrete position on the issue or proposing specific journalistic standards like the number or types of sources required in a piece. Instead, you will state the relevant ethical considerations for your newspaper as it develops its journalistic standards. Use the Project Template (located in the What to Submit section) to structure your report.
Specifically, address the following in your report:
Part One: Background
Begin your report by briefly describing the concept of ethical frameworks for your audience.
Specifically, explain why ethical frameworks exist and how they can inform the newspaper’s coverage of the topic.
Part Two: Analyze Your Chosen Topic

Describe the similarities and differences between Western, Eastern, and Indigenous Tribal ethical ideologies, including specific examples of each ideology’s relationship to the topic. Support your analysis with evidence and appropriate sources.

Explain how ethical frameworks are related to human actions. In other words, how do ethics influence what people have done and currently do in relation to your chosen topic? Support your analysis with evidence and appropriate sources.
Part Three: Reflect
Conclude your report by explaining the purpose and value of using ethical frameworks as it relates to your topic.
In other words, how will applying diverse ethical frameworks support sound editorial decision making?
Provide specific examples to support your claims.

What to Submit
Every project has a deliverable or deliverables, which are the files that must be submitted before your project can be assessed. For this project, you must submit the following:
Ethical Coverage Report

Use the Project Template to submit your report as a 500- to 1,000-word Microsoft Word document. Remember to keep in mind the goals and audience of your communication when crafting your responses. Include appropriate citations as needed.

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