This study attempts to find out Bangladeshi journalists' attitudes, perceptions, and practices about ethical dilemmas, particularly those involving conflicts of interest. Based on a survey of 333 Dhaka-based journalists, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the study found that journalists' ethical standards are poor and that many indulge in corrupt practices. Their acceptance of corruption may be related to the country's general culture of corruption and ignorance of ethical issues. Professional behavior may be improved by introducing codes of ethics and (...) professional ethics education. (shrink)

When doubts were first raised about the veracity of the dramatic advances in stem cell research announced by Professor Hwang Woo-Suk, a significant minority response was to question the qualifications of journalists to investigate the matter. In this paper I examine the contemporary relationships between science, scientists, the public, and the media. In the modern context the progress of science often relies on the media to mobilise public support for research and also for the purpose of communication within the scientific (...) community. As a result, attempts to counterpose "science" and "the media" should be treated with some caution. I argue that because of the essential role played by ethics in good science, journalists may in fact sometimes be well placed to investigate scientists. At the conclusion of my paper I draw out some of the implications of my analysis for the ethics of investigative journalism directed towards scientific research. (shrink)