How can we fulfill our civic mission to deliver the news we produce to the people that need it most?
TELL THE TRUTH
Be honest, accurate, truthful, and fair. Do not distort or fabricate facts, imagery, sound or data.
Provide an accurate context for all reporting.
Seek out diverse voices that can contribute important perspectives on the subject you’re writing.
Ensure that sources are reliable.
Correct errors quickly, completely, and visibly. Make it easy for your audience to bring errors to your attention.
If a report includes criticism of people or organizations, give them the opportunity to respond.
Clearly distinguish fact from opinion in all content.
AVOID CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Avoid any conflict of interest that undermines your ability to report fairly.
Disclose to your audience any unavoidable conflicts or other situational factors that may validly affect their judgment of your credibility.
Do not allow people to make you dishonestly skew your reporting. Do not offer to skew your reporting under any circumstances.
Do not allow the interests of advertisers or others to fund your work and affect the integrity of your journalism.
COMMUNITY FIRST
Respect your audience and those you write about. Consider how your work and its permanence may affect the subjects of your reporting, your community and since the Internet knows no boundaries the larger world.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Keep promises to sources, readers and the community.
Give all staff expectations, support and tools to maintain ethical standards.