Hutchins Commission

Definition

The Hutchins Commission, formally known as the Commission on Freedom of the Press, was established in 1947 to examine the state of the American press and its responsibilities in a democratic society. It emphasized the need for ethical journalism and argued that the press must serve the public good, which connects directly to the notion of objectivity as a journalistic norm, asserting that journalists should provide accurate, balanced reporting free from bias.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hutchins Commission was led by Robert M. Hutchins, who was concerned about the role of the press in society after World War II and the rise of mass media.
2. One of the key outcomes of the commission's report was the assertion that the press must not only inform but also provide a forum for public debate.
3. The commission highlighted that journalistic objectivity is essential for maintaining credibility and public trust.
4. Its findings spurred discussions about media ethics and social responsibility, influencing journalism practices and education.
5. The recommendations made by the Hutchins Commission contributed to the development of ethical standards and guidelines for journalists.

Review Questions

• How did the Hutchins Commission define the responsibilities of the press in relation to objectivity?
  • The Hutchins Commission defined the responsibilities of the press as not only reporting facts but also ensuring that coverage is fair and serves the public interest. They emphasized that journalists must strive for objectivity to maintain credibility and foster informed public discourse. The commission argued that fulfilling these responsibilities is essential for a functioning democracy.
• In what ways did the findings of the Hutchins Commission influence modern journalism ethics?
  • The findings of the Hutchins Commission significantly influenced modern journalism ethics by promoting social responsibility and emphasizing the importance of accuracy and fairness in reporting. The commission's recommendations encouraged journalists to adopt ethical guidelines that prioritize serving public interests while maintaining objectivity. This shift laid the groundwork for contemporary discussions on media ethics and accountability.
• Evaluate how the principles established by the Hutchins Commission relate to contemporary challenges faced by journalists today.
  • The principles established by the Hutchins Commission are highly relevant to contemporary challenges such as misinformation, biased reporting, and the rapid spread of digital news. Journalists today face pressure to produce content quickly, which can compromise objectivity. The commission's emphasis on ethical journalism and social responsibility serves as a guiding framework for addressing these issues, urging today's reporters to maintain high standards and prioritize factual accuracy amidst a complex media landscape.

Related terms

Social Responsibility Theory: A media theory that posits that the press has a duty to serve society by providing information that is accurate, fair, and relevant to the public.

Ethics in Journalism: A set of principles that guide journalists in their professional conduct, ensuring accountability, accuracy, and fairness in reporting.

Press Freedom: The right of journalists to report news without censorship or restraint from the government, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism.