Journalistic Integrity By:

Journalistic integrity is being Journalistic integrity is beingFAIR!!!! Confidentiality of sources Confidentiality of sources Accuracy Accuracy Let the people know that they can count on you to give a fair and honest reporting of the world around them. Let the people know that they can count on you to give a fair and honest reporting of the world around them. People rely on YOU! People rely on YOU!

Areas of Consideration Objectivity Objectivity Sources Sources Accuracy Accuracy Slander and libel considerations Slander and libel considerations Harm limitation principle Harm limitation principle

Objectivity Reporting News Reporting News Without Bias Without Bias In balanced manner In balanced manner

Sources Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible. Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible. Identify sources whenever feasible. Identify sources whenever feasible. Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises. Keep promises.

Accuracy Double and triple check Double and triple check Don’t automatically rely on sources, follow up Don’t automatically rely on sources, follow up Do background on sources and make sure they are reliable Do background on sources and make sure they are reliable Do not put your career and this company’s reputation on the line for a story you think is true Do not put your career and this company’s reputation on the line for a story you think is true

Consequences of Incorrect Reporting Viewers/readers lose trust in you Viewers/readers lose trust in you They are your audience, without them, your job loses meaning They are your audience, without them, your job loses meaning Journalistic community loses respect for you Journalistic community loses respect for you Loss of career – Dan Rather Loss of career – Dan Rather

Slander & Libel Remember – the truth cannot be libel Remember – the truth cannot be libel Accuracy is important Accuracy is important Slander suits can subject you to litigation in states far away Slander suits can subject you to litigation in states far away

Harm Limitation Principle Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief. Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief. Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity. Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity. Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes. Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes. Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed. Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

Conclusion Remember Remember People count on you People count on you Be fair and objective Be fair and objective Be accurate and reliable Be accurate and reliable Be trustworthy Be trustworthy Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.