Uncategorized | SPJ Ethics Code

Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Fred Brown on Gifts and Political Involvement

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

“Refuse” may be a little harsh; “decline” suggests a more polite approach to avoiding the appearance of conflict of interest. This is the starting point for many employers’ codes of ethics, and those codes are more specific and detailed about what news employees can and can’t do. Around the middle of the last century, people […]

Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]

Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information.

Andrew Seaman | July 18, 2015

The committee that revised the Society’s Code of Ethics felt the document’s tenets and underlying principles apply to all journalism regardless of how it’s ultimately presented. Still, the committee knew people interested in ethical journalism may benefit from additional guidance from the Society and other people and organizations. Below are several resources that the Society’s […]