April 29, 2011 — In the ever-evolving world of media, ethics is a topic that requires constant consideration. For that reason, the Kegley Institute of Ethics at CSUB and Kern Press Club are hosting their second annual journalism ethics panel – this time to discuss issues of privacy in the information age.

"Public or Private Information? Right to Know vs. Right to Privacy" will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the Albertson Room adjacent to the Doré Theatre at CSUB. Admission is free, as is parking in Lots B, C and D after 6:30 p.m.

The panel features Lois Henry, columnist for The Bakersfield Californian; Christopher Meyers, director of the Kegley Institute of Ethics; Russ Albro, Kern County Sheriff's Commander; and Michael Trihey, assistant news director with KGET Channel 17 News.

In a time when Wikileaks grays the area between journalism and espionage, and technology allows for mass dissemination of information, the ethical tensions between security and the public's right to know are growing.

"We'll discuss why privacy is a value, how access to and dissemination of vital information is the moral core of journalism, and why the public's right to know is not absolute," Meyers said.

For more information about the Kegley Institute of Ethics, visit www.csub.edu/kie or call 661-654-2555.