Designing a Media Ethics Model for Iranian News Websites

Ahmad Gholami Pak; Sara Mohamadpour; Mastooreh Ezzatzadeh

Authors

Ahmad Gholami Pak PhD student, Department of Media Management, WT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4457-9734
Sara Mohamadpour Department of Social Communication, WT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1402-1905
Mastooreh Ezzatzadeh Department of Media Management, WT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9151-9200

Keywords:

Media Ethics, Iranian News Websites, Grounded Theory, PLS, SEM, Digital Democracy, Ethical Charter, Online Journalism

Abstract

This study aimed to design and empirically validate a comprehensive media ethics model for Iranian news websites by integrating qualitative grounded-theory findings with quantitative structural equation modeling. This exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm using a sequential qualitative–quantitative design. In the qualitative phase, 18 media experts, university academics, and experienced news professionals were selected purposively and interviewed through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the Strauss and Corbin grounded-theory approach through open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire derived from the qualitative model was distributed among 115 journalists, editors, managers, and other professionals active in Iranian online news media. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS. Reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and the Fornell–Larcker criterion. The structural model showed that lack of pluralism significantly predicted technological updating of media ethics (β = 0.206, p = 0.001), while failure to observe media-ethics principles significantly predicted ethical orientation toward shared public, media, and governance interests (β = 0.296, p < 0.001). Ethical orientation significantly predicted development of an ethical charter (β = 0.516), regulatory updating (β = 0.454), licensing independent specialized news websites (β = 0.449), and digital democracy (β = 0.421), all p < 0.001. The ethical charter significantly predicted updated ethical regulations (β = 0.612), digital democracy serving citizens and government (β = 0.537), and growth in ethically oriented journalists (β = 0.576), all p < 0.001. Adjusted R² values ranged from 0.666 to 0.877. Model fit was satisfactory (SRMR = 0.068, GOF = 0.7834, NFI = 0.931). The validated model indicates that media ethics in Iranian news websites depends on the interaction of professional ethics, technological adaptation, regulatory modernization, institutional pluralism, journalist competence, and public accountability, with the ethical charter functioning as a central operational mechanism for translating ethical values into institutional and professional outcomes.

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Designing a Media Ethics Model for Iranian News Websites

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