Assertion (A): The ethics of journalism are eroding at a fast pace. Reason (R): It is because of the market forces and revenue driven policies. (A) Both (A) and (R) are correct. (B) Both (A) and (R) are incorrect. (C) (A) is incorrect, (R) is correct. (D) (A) is correct but there can be many other reasons in (R). Correct Ans: (A) Explanation: The assertion (A) states that the ethics of journalism are eroding at a fast pace. This statement is accurate. Journalistic integrity, which prioritizes truth, fairness, and accountability, has been increasingly compromised. Many media organizations focus on sensationalism, misinformation, or biased reporting to attract audiences and boost profits. As a result, ethical standards in journalism are declining significantly. The reason (R) explains that market forces and revenue-driven policies are responsible for this erosion. This explanation is also correct. Media houses are under constant pressure to generate profits and compete for audience attention. Consequently, sensational stories, clickbait headlines, and biased reporting often overshadow quality journalism. Advertising revenue and corporate interests also influence editorial decisions, leading to compromised ethical practices. Both the assertion and reason are correct and interconnected. The market-driven approach has pushed many media outlets to prioritize profit over ethical responsibility. However, other factors, such as political interference, lack of accountability, and unregulated digital platforms, also contribute to this decline. Therefore, the correct answer is (A): Both (A) and (R) are correct. This explanation emphasizes how market dynamics impact journalism ethics while highlighting the broader challenges facing the industry. Maintaining ethical standards requires a balance between financial viability and journalistic responsibility.
