Ethics Statement
Today’s journalists face the same core ethical dilemmas that have popped up since the beginning of the profession. But in addition to those same dilemmas, our expectations have risen to a whole new level, especially for online journalists. Speed is the new order of the day. Dealing with the everyday tasks has become an even harder balancing act. It’s more important now then ever before for today’s journalist to reinforce and solidify our traditional values and codes. We must also embrace the changes in technology by creating new values and codes
“Each individual reporter has to set his own rules, his own standards, and model his career for himself.”
- from Bill Kurtis in The Elements of Journalism
These are my values and my codes. Their presence in my portfolio will serve as reminders for me and as assurances for future employers.
Truth and Accuracy
Delivering a factual story is more important then getting it out before the competition. My dedication to truth and accuracy is what separates me from a citizen journalist. Reporting the news is a public service. The public is relying on me to give them accurate and up-to-date information. There is no excuse for the Jayson Blair scenario.
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• I will double check information before it is released.
• I won’t allow the Web’s “easy to fix later” mentality be an excuse to do a sloppy job.
• I will avoid stereotypes in my newsgathering.
• If I have any doubt about the voracity of my subject or of a piece of evidence, I will consult a superior.
• I will invite readers to see why my information has value, and why I can be believed by being as transparent as possible.
• As an online journalist, I may encounter other forms of relaying information. My ethics applies to those as well. I won’t alter audio, photos or video other then for routine edits.
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Accountability and Responsibility
I understand that I’m accountable for what I write. What I publish will affect my readers, my subjects, my co-workers and my profession. But, my responsibility to the public is greater. Financial problems faced by my employer or personal interest to advance in the professional cannot factor in.
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• I will admit when I make mistakes as soon as they’re discovered, and I will learn from them.
• I will put stories into context and make them relevant for my readers.
• I will report on the unpopular story if I believe it needs to be told.
• I know when I’m over my head. I will seek help or work with a team where needed.
• I will listen to the public’s concerns, suggestions and comments.
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Independence
Independence is just as important as reporting with truth and accuracy. The public needs to know I have no ulterior motives. I work for their sake. Armstrong Williams is a perfect example of what can happen if the value of independence is breeched.
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• I will avoid conflicts of interests - real or perceived. It’s all about perception.
• I will not pay for tips. The chance for exaggerated and embellished information is too great.
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Do no harm
Doing harm can happen in many ways. It can happen if I am insensitive to the feelings of a recent victim. It can happen if I publish a story solely for its shock value. It can also happen if I assist in a crime for the sake of my story. As a journalist, I am committed to avoiding these situations. I will think of the consequences and will rise up above the tabloids.
Balanced coverage
A balanced story is essential. Without complete and balanced coverage, truth and accuracy is ignored, responsibility is lost, independence is compromised and everyone involved is harmed. Over the years, the unbalanced stories involving crime, social class and race have done a disservice to the public. This cannot continue.
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• I will promote racial, ethnic, religious, lifestyle and class diversity in all aspects of news gathering.
• I will utilize and learn the latest technology when it will assist the audience’s understanding and comprehension.
• In addition, I will not use technology for the sake of using it. I will only use it in instances where it will enhance the story.
• I will not let competition force me to abandon my goal for a well-written, well-covered story.
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“It would seem obvious that it is in the interest of journalists to do what they can to create...a journalism that recognizes and applies principles that help assure reliable, timely, proportional, comprehensive news to help make sense of our world and our place in it.”
- from Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosentiel
