LE3 .A278 2023

2023

Brickner, Rachel

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Politics

Politics

Quality journalism is an essential part of democratic function. To best protect and promote democratic values and overall well-being within society there must be a robust field of journalism which is responsible, competent, attentive, and responsive. Given this importance, this project aims to consider how care ethics can be applied to the field of journalism. Drawing on theorists whose work has been significant to the development of the literature of care ethics, as well as scholars who have contributed to the discussion surrounding the application of care ethics to a political media landscape, a framework for caring journalism is suggested. Once the framework for caring journalism has been developed, it is then applied within the context of the coverage of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization leak in May of 2022. Articles published in the period immediately following the leak are considered through the identified stages of care. Issues of reproductive justice are a notable example of how the political and the personal interact, and how that impacts vulnerable people. This provides insight into how care may be expressed in practice, particularly when dealing with an issue that intersects with the most intimate aspects of life. This research shows the importance of incorporating an ethical practice of care into the process of journalism. In applying an intentional and thoughtful practice of care it is possible to strengthen the connections between journalists and their sources and audience, improve conditions for democratic discourse, and further well-being within society.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3964