Abstract
Many ethical debates emanate from the competing forces of profits, wealth, and public trust. Media conglomerates, some of the world's most powerful multinational companies, often pursue profits at all costs, resulting in the abuse of media consumers. In this chapter, we consider the profit motives of these companies and of individual media professionals. We discuss both the positive effects of personal ethical behavior and the willingness to sacrifice truthfulness when it's economically advantageous. We also examine and discuss how to best navigate the persuasive influences of popular media programs that sometimes erode our individual ethical choices as well as our social norms.