The representation of emotion in journalism and documentary filmmaking often relies on the contribution made by sources. In a media landscape where emotional testimonies are commonplace, it is crucial to consider media professionals’ responsibilities toward those they depict. This chapter explores the intersection of ethics and emotion, using documentary filmmaking to bring interdisciplinary insights into journalism ethics. It draws upon a care ethics perspective to explore how documentary filmmakers’ emotional engagement influences moral deliberations and relationships with sources. It is argued that emotional considerations inform filmmakers’ interactions with sources and significantly enhance the depth and quality of the resulting narrative. The chapter also interrogates the balance between professionalism and intimacy, suggesting that these are not mutually exclusive. Building on this, the chapter advocates for an integrated approach to media ethics that accommodates duty and care, addressing the complexities of contemporary storytelling. 

This scoping review examines research on journalistic practices in the Nordic countries during societal crises, focusing on how such events disrupt newsroom routines and shape journalistic roles. Mapping the extent and focus of research on crises like the global Covid-19 pandemic, the 2011 Utøya terror attack in Norway, and the Jokela school shooting in Finland, the review identifies key challenges faced by journalists. These include balancing service and watchdog roles, navigating ethical dilemmas, and managing the growing influence of social media. The 32 studies (2007–2024) reveal a modest but growing research focus on journalistic practice during crises in the Nordic region. Findings show that, particularly in the acute phase, journalists prioritise information dissemination over critical scrutiny, often aligning with government messaging. While crises drive technological innovation and accelerate digital adaptation, they also raise ethical challenges, such as how to approach those affected and verify user-generated content. Furthermore, the findings show that the Nordic media systems demonstrated resilience and adaptability during crises.

Factual storytelling that relies on the participation of real-life people must navigate between obligations towards the participant and the story. By placing the relationship between storyteller and subject at the centre, this thesis offers an interdisciplinary examination of ethical and moral issues in the context of turning other people’s experiences into mediated narrative.

Besides bringing the interests of participating subjects to the forefront, the study explores the relevance of care ethics within a media context and argues how this perspective contributes to ethical and moral reflection in the scholarly domain of media ethics as well as within media practice. This involves operationalizing the theory of care ethics, with particular emphasis on relational obligations and the moral significance of emotions. With its focus on relational and emotional aspects, the study joins the emerging discussion about the affective dimensions of journalism and extends this discussion to the domain of media ethics.

Extensive interviews with six documentary filmmakers and seven participating subjects comprise the empirical foundation of this case study. Narrative emotion analysis is used to identify subjects’ interests related to participation. By placing focus on subjects’ interests and agency, the relationship between storyteller and subject, as well as the filmmakers’ conflicting obligations, the study highlights a number of ethical issues that transcend the documentary format. The empirical material is regarded against the backdrop of previous research within journalism and documentary ethics, and is discussed within a care ethics framework.

The findings of the study demonstrate the importance of relational factors to the participant experience. The relationship between storyteller and subject emerges as a trusting relationship where affective signals and emotion management are important aspects in the filmmakers’ conduct. Regarded through the theoretical lens of care ethics, the importance of the relationship to both parties establishes the relationship as being subject to weighty duties. Relational and emotional aspects of the journalistic profession have been placed in the shadow of procedural and deontological concerns. This thesis argues that, to foster ethical practice within factual storytelling, scholars and practitioners alike must take emotional and relational dimensions seriously. The incorporation of care ethics into media ethics is a step in that direction.