Ethical journalism strives to provide information that is accurate, fair and independent. This code of ethics, amended from the Society for Professional Journalists, lays out the expectations and requirements for the conduct of our newsroom as well as our contributors. 

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​​Our journalists:

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Identify sources clearly, so the public gets as much information as possible to judge their reliability and motivations.​

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Don't lie about their identity to obtain information. Avoid undercover methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield information that is vital to the public. Explain the methods used and why in the story. ​​

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Only grant anonymity to sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm by telling their stories. Explain in the story why anonymity was given.

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Don't misrepresent or oversimplify a situation.

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Avoid stereotyping. Examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting. ​​​

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Never plagiarize.

 

Always attribute.

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Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. ​​​

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Balance the public’s need for information against the potential harm to the subject of news coverage.

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Make a real effort to seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing. Give them a reasonable amount of time before publishing the story.

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Don't pay to obtain interviews. 

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Explain how documents were obtained if they are part of a story. 

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Act independently. The journalist's highest and primary obligation is to the public.

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Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. 

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Don't accept gifts or favors from sources.​

 

Don't participate in political activities.​​

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