A Code of Conduct For Reporters

Be Accountable

Act Independently

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. 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.

— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

— Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

— Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.

— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.

— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.

— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.
Journalists should:

— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.

— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.

— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.

— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others

· Always clearly identify yourself as a reporter whenever you're interviewing someone. Never try to deceive or mislead anyone.

· Always make it clear to people you're interviewing that you're writing an article that could be published.

· Always be polite and courteous with people you're interviewing, even if they are not.

· Never get into verbal or physical confrontations with people you're interviewing. If someone you're interviewing becomes agitated or threatening, leave immediately.

· Never state your opinions or inject yourself into any event you cover, such as protests, rallies or public comment forums. As a reporter you're there as a professional observer, not a participant.

· If someone tries to offer you a bribe or inducement in exchange for writing a favorable article about them, refuse. Let your editor know what has happened.

Literature:

1. Ermishina E.V. International exchange of information. - M., 1988.
2. Lazutina G.V. Professional ethics of journalists. - M., 1999.

3. Randall D. Universal journalist. - St., 1999.

4.Journalist investigation. - M., 2001
5. Manure A. Let's talk about the reporting. - Moscow, 1986
5. Solganik G.Y. style reportage. - Moscow, Moscow State University, 1970
6. Shostak M. Reporter: professionalism and ethics. - M, 2001

Дата добавления: 2014-01-11