Journalism and Media Ethics

Washington and Lee University Journalism and Mass Communications Department Curriculum Signature Programs Journalism and Media Ethics

Journalism and Mass Communications Department

Ethics are an integral part of any communication professional’s work, ensuring accuracy and fairness among journalists or credibility and effectiveness for those working in strategic communications, public relations and marketing.

The ethics program at Washington and Lee University prepares students across journalism and strategic communications areas with a thorough program of instruction, including senior-level classes, special events and guest lectures -- culminating with a special Ethics Institute in Fall and Winter terms, bringing professionals to the school to share important lessons about the ethical challenges facing those in modern media and communications fields.

The ethical programs are organized and taught by Eric Deggans, the Knight Chair of Journalism and Media Ethics. The Ethics Institutes are funded by the Knight Program in Journalism Ethics and co-sponsored by W&L’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Ethics Institutes

Twice a year for decades, the Journalism Ethics program has welcomed leading journalists and communications professionals from across the country to Lexington for a seminar with Washington and Lee journalism and mass communications majors about the ethical challenges facing modern media.

Below are photos from recent institutes. View the Programs and Events page for more information.

Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics Eric Deggans talks to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, in Stackhouse Theater.

Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg in Stackhouse Theater

Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg talks to Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics Eric Deggans in Stackhouse Theater. Photo by Aby Joyner ’28