Independence and Journalism focuses on the following principle of journalism: Journalism must maintain an independence from those they cover. Look at the book. Closing related to the idea of avoiding advocacy, this principle refers to the need to be dedicated to giving the public the truth more than anything else. I admit, I have a hard time understanding the individuality of this principle, but I guess all journalistic principles can't be "independent" of each other.
When I think about journalists and independence from their journalistic subjects, I always think of the picture by Kevin Carter with the Sudanese girl and the vulture. See the picture and some background here.
Apparently Carter waited for some time, hoping that the vulture behind the starving child would spread his wings, but he finally gave up, took the picture, and left. The picture shocked many people, and a number of them blamed Carter, comparing him to another type of vulture. I don't think that a journalist has to be that way. I believe that, although he or she has a responsibility to many things, including truth, the story, the citizens, the company they work for, etc, the responsibility to humanity is not something that can be "left at the door." Take the picture, and do what you can in life-threatening situations. Just make sure that you don't get emotionally involved in every sob story that comes your way.
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