SPJ Code of Ethics PDF

PREAMBLE Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integ...

PREAMBLE Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity. The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media. SEEK TRUTH AND REPORT IT u Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. information. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment. Journalists should: u Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justifica- u Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before tion to publish or broadcast. releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible. u Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about u Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy. themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal u Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in information. promoting, previewing or summarizing a story. u Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do. u Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story. u Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know. Consider u Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises they make. the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges. u Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as pos- u Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of sible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources. publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate. u Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted. ACT INDEPENDENTLY The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve u Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criti- the public. cism or allegations of wrongdoing. Journalists should: u Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information u Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts. unless traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public. u Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid politi- u Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. cal and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, Give voice to the voiceless. or may damage credibility. u Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant. u Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for u Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the or not. open, and that public records are open to all. u Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, u Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate. and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage. u Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. u Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear. between the two. Prominently label sponsored content. u Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting. BE ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT u Label advocacy and commentary. Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one's work and u Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. explaining one’s decisions to the public. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments. Journalists should: u Never plagiarize. Always attribute. u Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content. MINIMIZE HARM Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of u Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness. the public as human beings deserving of respect. u Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain Journalists should: corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly. u Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. u Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness. u Abide by the same high standards they expect of others. The SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles supported by additional explanations and position papers (at spj.org) that address changing journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable.