Arizona State University. MCO 465 Final Exam Study Guide. A+ RATED. From 1st
quiz, Week 2: Ethics
1) Which of these-if any- is a reason a journalist
... [Show More] might not act ethically?
a. All of the above: If they’re not good enough to do the job, If they are on deadline
and need to work quickly, If the ethical policies where they work are vague, and If
there is severe pressure from competition.
2) The Detroit Free Press felt justified in using anonymous sources to expose NCAA
violations in the University of Michigan football program because…
a. The anonymous sources’ were consistent.
3) Which of these is not one of the four pillars of journalism ethics?
a. Be Thorough
4) This is the best type of source, the one you would always like to use if you can.
a. On the record
5) A sports journalist who endorses sporting goods might find themselves
a. In a conflict of interest
6) The very first examples of what today would be considered “sports media” outlets in this
country were what?
a. Magazines
7) A reporter who promises to not name a source, but then does, runs the risk that future
sources will not give them information. This is called what?
a. The Chilling Effect
8) This term refers to a rational way of deciding what is good for individuals or society and
to choose between competing moral principles or when there is not a clear right or wrong
answer.
a. Ethics
9) Unless otherwise agreed to prior to an interview, all conversations between a reporter and
a source are considered to be what?
a. “On the record”
10) This sports scandal was uncovered by a pair of early 20th century sportswriters.
a. The fixed 1919 World Series
11) Today it is common for sports journalists to report on professional athletes’ indiscretions.
But during the 1920’s, that was not the case. Why? (Think of the Babe Ruth example)
a. All of these answers are correct: Sports journalists did not perceive it to be part of
their jobs. Sports journalists believed their job was to create heroes. Sports
journalists believed if they printed the truth about athletes, readers would revolt
and would no longer see a need for sports sections or sports reporters.
12) Which of these was a reason the all-sports newspaper the National failed?
a. They couldn’t generate enough ad revenue and couldn’t get the paper out quickly.
13) This term refers to an individual’s code of behavior based on religious or philosophical
principles, defining right and wrong in ways that may or may not be rational.
a. Morals
14) The people who could potentially be impacted by your reporting, and whose feelings and
motivations should be taken into account when coming to an ethical decision, are known
collectively as what?
a. Stakeholders
15) The front-page story about Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees possibly cheating on his wife
ran contrary to what long-held unwritten rule about coverage of baseball players?
a. That unless it impacts their play on the field, what they do off the field isn’t
written about.
16) The number one thing that has fueled the growth of sports media in this country over time
has been what?
a. Money
17) The sensationalism of the early 20th century was so intense, there were calls-even among
media personnel- for government-licensing. How was such licensing avoided?
a. All of these answers are correct: Journalism schools opened, codes of ethics were
drafted and adopted, and professional societies arose.
18) As long as sports and the media are intertwined in this way, their symbiotic relationship is
likely to continue.
a. Economically
19) We care that journalists act in an ethical manner and are honest because…
a. It is a matter of trust
20) True or false: Print sports journalists in the 1980’s considered professionalism related
issues to be the most serious problem facing their profession.
a. True
21) True or False: According to a 2017 Reed and Harrison study, about 4 of every 7 trades
discussed in NBA trade stories end up taking place.
a. False
Sports Media History
This has been the number one driver behind the growth and rise of sports media in this
country.
o Money, sports are first and foremost a business.
He launched the American Farmer magazine in 1819.
o John Stuart Skinner; horseracing, fox hunting, fishing, and shooting
The section added to the magazine in 1825 and devoted to sports was called… [Show Less]