Sunday, October 4, 2009

Code of Ethics

1) Report the news as truthfully as possible.
- The absolute truth may be an intangible goal, but I aim to be as accurate and fair as possible in my writing.
2) Be accurate with sources.
- I will always be careful when using sources in my writing, trying to find two or three in order to verify (E.g. three sources agree on a given subject) or to give light to opposing sides of a story (E.g. two sources with two different viewpoints).
- I will also be careful when using anonymous sources, making sure to keep in mind their motives and making sure that if I use an anonymous source, I know their information is trustworthy or that other [anonymous] sources can back up my source.
3) Minimize harm.
- I will always put into consideration the feelings of others, trying not to violate their personal privacy.
- I will also make sure to respect the personal beliefs of others (cultural values, religion, etc.)
4) Avoid any conflicts of interest.
- If there is a potential conflict of interest (E.g. I write about a student organization in which I am a part of) I will make sure to disclose this to the audience in order to be as transparent as possible and maintain credibility.
5) Be accountable.
-If I make a mistake in factual error or harm an individual/group of individuals in my writing, I will admit said mistake and correct it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

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