Journalism ethics

Seek truth and report it

Applies to all forms
of newsgathering

Truth and reporting

• Verify for final stories as well as Twitter
• Update and correct
• Use anonymity sparingly
• Watchdog, voice to voiceless
• Hold those in power accountable
• Avoid stereotyping

Minimize harm

"If someone is going to be hurt by what gets printed or broadcast about them, then journalists need to provide a reason - a good reason - for going with. 'That's my job,' doesn't cut it. Nor do appeals to First Amendment freedoms."

Deni Elliott, Poynter-Jamison Chair in Media Ethics and Press Policy, Univ. of South Florida

Act independently

Journalists should:

• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Refuse gifts that compromise integrity
• Don't pay for information
• Deny favored treatment and resist pressure to influence coverage
• Distinguish news from advertising

Be accountable and transparent

Journalists should:

• Explain difficult ethical choices
• Respond to questions about accuracy, clarity, fairness
• Acknowledge and correct mistakes, make clarifications
• Expose unethical journalism
• Abide by standards you expect of others

Poynter Institute Model

What to ask yourself

• Why am I concerned?
• What is the news? What good would publication do?
• Complete and accurate to best of my knowledge?
• Missing an important point of view?
• What does audience need to know?

What to ask yourself

• What if my family?
• Consequences? What good or harm results?
• What alternatives?
• Able to clearly, honestly explain my decision to challenges?