Blog 1: Conflict of Interest Interview

Name: Bernardo Alts
Photo Editor
St. Gabriella valley newspaper group

Working journalists in the field whether they are a photojournalist, a writer, or a reporter all face the same moral and ethical problems almost every day. There is a fine line between the freedom and need for truth and honestly in the media, and crossing over into displaying truth that can hurt or offend the public. Justice fits into this ethical dilemma also because, as Plaisance says, “What we refer to as justice now embraces a range of ideas and theories, including the claims that we have certain rights, that these legal rights are based on moral theory and obligations, and that justice also is linked somehow to ideas of fairness, of equality of impartiality and to a notion of social good.” (pg. 75) What is fair and just when it comes to topics covered? Is there such a thing as shedding too much light on a subject? Even if something is wrong does not mean it should necessarily be displayed for the world to see, even though sometimes that seems like the most just thing to do. Edward Wasserman of Media Ethics Magazine talks about many ethical dilemmas in his article “Threats to ethical Journalism in the New Media Age". He says that readers are “still entitled to honest, independent reportage.” But also that “plainly the rules governing conflict of interest need to be re-examined.”

Ethical problems and conflicts are important, not only because it has to do with morals, but also because it is something that journalists deal with often. Bernardo Alts of the Whittier Daily News is a journalist who comes into contact with this conflict every day. Alts is the photo editor for not only Whittier Daily News, but St. Gabriella Valley Newspaper Group. Born in Brazil, Alts has always loved photography.
“I have my BA at the university of Sao Paulo. I came to California in 1981 I had already done it (photography) in Brazil. I knew exactly that I wanted to do that.”
“I was a staff photographer before, I moved into the photo editor position because we didn’t have anyone. I love photography and I love story telling, it’s a natural thing I’ve don’t it since high school its what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Alts has a passion for photojournalism, but also understands the ethical dilemmas that face journalists.
“Almost every day we are faced with stories that have the potential of hurting someone, we have to weigh it carefully to see you come up against that all the time.” When asked about whether or not journalists should cover certain a
There should always be freedom to cover it, but I would definitely not publish it. (speaking about tough issues) There are certain things that even though they are true, you don’t need to put it out there.”
However Alts realizes that in the end it is not the journalists who decide what gets covered.
“Everyone complains about stars getting harassed, yet everyone buys the inquirer. In the end readers determine themselves what get covered.”