Plagiarism among Journalists

Why are journalists tempted to plagiarize and make up stories?

The news gets old fast. It’s really hard to put out reports in time so that people remain interested in what you have to say. The easiest way to have something to say is to take it from someone else.

Early in a journalist’s career, I imagine that plagiarism is used quite often. Once a journalist becomes seasoned, it becomes second nature to take down a story or an interview correctly. To look good for the boss, a new journalist may take a well written story from another source. Maybe a journalist can’t get an interview – it is easier to simply copy someone else’s interview.

Making up stories is extremely easy to do. The journalist has all the facts because he or she made up the whole story! A very imaginative story may be produced that will catch a viewer’s attention. Tabloids are based off of these sensational stories.

It is unethical for anyone to plagiarize. Work is being stolen from another source. If it is necessary to use someone’s work, attribution is required. In the news world, it is also possible to pay the source for the information. A journalist wouldn’t want his or her work stolen so it isn’t fair for that person to steal from someone else.