Newsroom Ethics

PREAMBLE: We serve the public by providing accurate, useful and compelling information in context – helping build the shared knowledge and understanding that is the foundation for community betterment and self-­governance. We thoroughly investigate current problems and viable solutions and encourage community members to engage with us in the exploration of both. We:

SEEK TRUTH AND REPORT IT:

We are honest, fair, accurate and thorough in gathering and reporting information.

Journalists should:[i]

• Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
• Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
• Identify sources unless their identification would reasonably result in personal or professional harm. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability.
• Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
• Never distort the content of news photos, audio or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
• Avoid misleading re­enactments or staged news events. If re­enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it. Clearly label file video and make sure its use does not misrepresent current events.
• Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story.
• Never plagiarize.
• Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

They also should:[ii]

• Clearly disclose the origin of information and label all material provided by third parties.
• Guard against extended coverage of events or individuals that fails to significantly advance a story, place the event in context, or add to the public knowledge.
• Use technological tools with skill and thoughtfulness, avoiding techniques that skew facts, distort reality or sensationalize events.

ACT INDEPENDENTLY AND WITH TRANSPARENCY

We perform our work in the public interest, without fear or favor. We encourage community involvement that does not directly conflict with that mission, and are transparent in our associations.

Journalists should:

• Resist pressure, from any source, to distort or otherwise influence news coverage away from the public interest.
• Hold public officers and institutions accountable.
• Refuse to pay sources for information, or offer sources favors or special treatment in return for information.
• Decline to accept gifts, favors or compensation from individuals or groups seeking or appearing to seek to influence the news.
• Clearly identify themselves, their approach and intentions in gathering information.
• Disclose to newsroom managers and the public any personal and institutional conflicts of interest.
• Refrain from using their newsroom position for personal gain or influence.

MINIMIZE HARM:[iii]

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
• Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
• Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
• Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
• Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

ARE ACCOUNTABLE:

We encourage civil discourse and actively engage community members in conversation about what we cover, how we cover it and why. We promptly and respectfully respond to feedback. We admit our mistakes and promptly correct them.

We expect and encourage ethical behavior from all newsroom employees; we do not encourage peers or direct subordinates to engage in any unethical act.

We embrace adherence to ethical principles as central to our mission, to our profession and to our relationship with the public.

[i] Subsection excerpted from the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, 1996. Italicized language added by The Gazette.

[ii] Subsection excerpted from the Radio Television Digital News Association Code of Ethics, 2000

[iii] Entire section from SPJ, 1996

Revised June 2024