►The word “plagiarism” comes from the Latin word meaning “kidnap,” a succinct way to describe those who steal the work of others. SPJ’s Code of Ethics is simple and clear about plagiarism and attribution. The Ethics Committee’s position paper reminds all journalists to be “proud of their skills and their voice” and to do their own original work.
Rebutting novelistic nonfiction writers or “literary journalists” who blur fact and fiction, legendary long-form journalist John Hersey wrote, “There is one sacred rule of journalism. The writer must not invent. The legend on the license must read: NONE OF THIS WAS MADE UP.”
Sources:
- https://www.spj.org/ethics-papers-plagiarism.asp
- https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/29/john-hersey-and-the-art-of-fact#:~:text=His%20major%20gripe%20was%20that,OF%20THIS%20WAS%20MADE%20UP.%E2%80%9D
The Online News Association, with a nod to the SPJ code’s four words on the topic, pushes into the nuance of questions related to plagiarism and attribution. It reminds writers to remember the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – when deciding whether to credit other sources.
Source: https://ethics.journalists.org/topics/plagiarism-and-attribution/
►Here we give credit to ThoughtCo, whose document aimed at new journalists explains when and how to attribute, attribution styles, and different types of attribution.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/attribution-when-writing-news-stories-2074313
►The late journalism educator Steve Buttry created a quiz to help educate journalists on plagiarism and common mistakes made by journalists around plagiarism.
Source: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk-aBHgcq5JnUsZZhogtG8E5ltaYLLkvSJ66Id1SxCpEAvwQ/viewform
►Artificial intelligence can assist journalists when used effectively and ethically, and SJP’s Toolbox offers a list of resources involving AI. But plagiarism and lack of appropriate attribution are among the many concerns related to AI’s use in journalism, including what a News Media Alliance report called the “plagiarism stew” that comes from using large language models built with copyrighted material. The Center for News, Technology & Innovation offers more guidance into the use of AI in journalism.
Sources: