3. What is a conflict of interest? Why would this be a problem for a journalist?

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions.

There are many different kinds of conflicts of interest, from reporting on close friends or family to receiving free copies of books, films and games to review. Conflicts also arise when reporters take positions on political or social issues. Without disclosing the competing interests a media professional may have, the public will be unable to trust the truthfulness of the reporting or advertising.

So basically, a lawyer who has defended a client in the past cannot be hired to prosecute that same client; a surgeon should not operate on a family member, and a reporter should not cover any news story in which he or she has a personal stake.

Conflict of interest is a problem for journalist because now you have personal ties with the subject. It could cost you your job.

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