Ethical dilemmas of journalistic responsibility in war times
Based on the example of covering the Crimean issue in 2022–2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28925/2311-259x.2025.3.8Keywords:
journalistic ethics, war journalism, occupied Crimea, information security, professional standards, media responsibilityAbstract
The subject of the study is the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when covering events in occupied Crimea in the context of armed conflict. The study offers new approaches to ethical coverage of events in occupied regions, emphasizing the importance of adapting journalistic standards to the conditions of war. The relevance of the study lies in the transformation of the role of journalists in the current conditions of war, where they become not only observers but also targets of information attacks. Increased censorship, persecution of journalists, and restrictions on freedom of speech in occupied Crimea create unique challenges for the media. The study aims to analyze ethical dilemmas and develop practical recommendations for balancing the professional duty to inform the public with responsibility for the safety of sources and national interests. The study uses a comparative analysis of the activities of two media: the Krym.Realii and the Telegram channel t.me/Crimeanwind. Content analysis of their publications was used to assess approaches to verifying information and ensuring the safety of sources. A systematic approach made it possible to consider ethical dilemmas in the context of Crimea's information space. The analysis was conducted according to the criteria of information sources, data collection methods, editorial policy, and compliance with professional standards.
The results. The study identified three key ethical dilemmas: limited access to information and the difficulty of verifying data, ensuring the safety of sources under the repressive occupation authorities, and balancing the public's right to information with national security needs. It was found that information restrictions lead to fragmented coverage of events and an increased reliance on indirect sources. The proposed recommendations on verifying information, protecting sources, and avoiding sensationalism ensure greater information resilience in society and stronger countermeasures against disinformation. The results are potentially significant for journalists working in conflict zones and can be used to develop editorial policies and professional standards.
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