The Duty of Transparency in Media Disclosure and Human Dignity

1. The Duty of Transparency in Media Disclosure and Human Dignity Transparent behavior can be defined as conduct that presumes an openness in communication and serves a reasonable expectation of forthright exchange when parties have a legitimate stake in the possible outcomes or effects of the communicative act. It is an attitude of proactive moral engagement that manifests an express concern for the persons-as-ends principle when a degree of deception or omission can reasonably be said to risk thwarting the receiver’s due dignity or the ability to exercise reason.

2. JTC 411 Extra Credit Opportunity Due Monday, June 20 1. Consider the 2006 Federal Trade Commission regulations for “word-of-mouth” or “buzz” marketing efforts that state: When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product which might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement (i.e., the connection is not reasonably expected by the audience), such connection must be fully disclosed. 2. Explain how this rule is rooted in key ethical principles. 3. Make a brief, ethics-based argument for why you think paid product placement in films and TV sitcoms should or should not be subject to a similar standard.