Ethics and Responsibilities in Mass Communication: An Analysis of The Insider Film and Wigand's Moral Dilemma
Overview
This paper analyzes the 1999 film The Insider as a case study in ethics and responsibilities within mass communication. It examines the ethical dilemmas faced by Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco industry whistleblower, highlighting the tension between personal safety, legal obligations, and public responsibility. The paper argues that despite severe personal consequences, Wigand's choice to prioritize truth and societal welfare demonstrates authentic ethical responsibility.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to ethics and responsibilities in mass communication with reference to The Insider film
- Analysis of Wigand's ethical dilemma between legal compliance, personal safety, and public disclosure
- Examination of Wigand's loyalty to society over family interests and its moral implications
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Insider 1999 Film-Ethics and Responsibilities
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Ethics and Responsibilities
Ethics and responsibilities in mass communication include honesty, integrity, respecting and advocating for free speech, respecting everyone despite their cultural differences, and obeying every law. The primary objective of the code of ethics in mass communication is to enhance interpretation and recognize values in the field. The 1999 insider film takes the audience on essential attributes of honesty and integrity versus self. The film entails the tobacco industry's expose; the producer Lowell Bergman endures a professional attack when Russel Crowell refuses to talk with him. However, after writing a confidentiality agreement, Russel decides to open up. The film reflects every media personality's ethics and responsibilities before they exorcise essential information in the field.
The film is based on a true story, and it is used to illustrate unethical practices in the tobacco industry. What is the cost of overriding self to save the public? Despite the challenges everyone would face in daily life, they should have a defined code of ethics to help them carry crucial responsibilities.
Wigand's Ethical Dilemma
The ethical dilemma is typically a paradox between two possible options whereby none of them is ethically accepted. Wigand (Russel Crowell) finds himself in a moral dilemma because his testimony in Mississippi violated the law, and that would put him to jail. On the other hand, he faces death threats from the tobacco industry; for example, Wigand finds a bullet in an email pushing him to drop the case.