Media Ethics and code of ethics in media are falling from the platform of grace and truth. Somewhere into the darkness of greed, the media is beginning to slowly wander and the creed of “ for the greater good of humanity” is loosing ground. In recent news Harold Camping, American Christian Radio broadcaster and president of Family Radio went on a rampage warning the “Rapture” was near. Many people quit their jobs to devote their time to standing on the street and handing out information on the rapture and the importance to repent. Some spent thousands putting up billboards and running advertisements about the “Rapture” prediction. Camping's predictions were not limited to the United States alone, they were world wide. This was big news. Without much thought to the implications of massive public awareness the media spent weeks covering the story. The images and interviews of people standing on the streets shouting the implications of turning a blind eye. Supporters of Camping claimed without acceptance of God those who were not raptured would be left on earth to endure torment until the Apocalypse.
The proclamation of the end of time was followed closely by the media as well as the supporters of Camping. The code of Ethics in the media was non-existent. The media devoted countless hours interviewing Camping and his followers, posting information to his website and providing snippets of insight to the possibility of truth to his claim.
What separates Harold Camping from being an entertainer is that his his predictions of the false rapture was a direct reason for suicide and attempted murder of some followers. Is he a criminal, of course, but in all truth so is the media for its indulgence of this lunacy. If this were an individual telling people to commit suicide or commit random acts of murder the media would have hidden in away in the belly of the unknown and contacted law enforcement. In no way was the following of this outlandish story for the greater good of the general population.
When it comes to ethical issues in the media there needs to be some guidelines. Freedom of speech is priceless but we still have limitations as to what is acceptable and unacceptable in our society. Screaming the sky is falling and causing mass panic somehow follows the unacceptable attribute in my book. It is very unfortunate that even in the end this man, Harold Camping, never once took responsibility for any wrong doing. Really Harold, what would Jesus do?
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