Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part G (2021)

Abstract
In the 21^st century, the landscape of media has been transformed by rapid technological advancements, resulting in unprecedented access to information and the democratization of content creation. However, this shift has also presented significant ethical challenges. "Truth, Trust, and Transparency: Revisiting Media Ethics in the 21^st Century" delves into the intricate balance that modern media must maintain to uphold ethical standards in an era characterized by digital proliferation and information overload. This paper explores the core principles of truth, trust, and transparency, examining how they intersect and sometimes conflict in contemporary media practices. The analysis begins with the concept of truth, emphasizing its foundational role in journalism and media ethics. It discusses the pressures faced by media organizations to prioritize speed over accuracy, often resulting in the dissemination of misinformation. The paper highlights the importance of fact-checking and the responsibility of journalists to provide accurate and verified information to the public. Trust is examined as a critical component that binds the audience to media organizations. The erosion of trust in media, exacerbated by the rise of fake news and biased reporting, is analyzed. The paper underscores the necessity for media outlets to rebuild and maintain trust through consistent and ethical practices. It also considers the role of media literacy in helping audiences critically evaluate the information they consume. Transparency is explored as a means to foster trust and ensure accountability in media practices. The paper discusses the importance of transparency in editorial processes, source attribution, and the correction of errors. It also addresses the challenges posed by the opaque nature of algorithm-driven content distribution on social media platforms.