ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the basics of fairness, one of the most treasured components of any value system. Fairness requires continuous assessment of behavior and choices to ascertain if they were accurate, truthful and appropriate and whether they could have been improved upon to meet those desired goals. In analyzing that, fair-minded people pay special attention to viewpoint of all who might be affected by behaviors and choices. To make that point, case studies are provided from journalists and practitioners. Methods also are provided to help you achieve ever-higher levels of fairness. Practical applications follow as they pertain to corrections, apologies, fact-checking and discretion—an ethical value associated with fairness—that enhances credibility and professionalism. Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Clarence Page provides a short essay on a decision to retract one of his columns after he realized that it may have been unfair. That is a powerful example of commitment to fairness, enhancing credibility and reputation. Ending personal and communal journal exercises put these concepts to the test as readers recall times they were treated unfairly or may have treated others unfairly … and what they derived from the experience.
