Society of Professional Journalists
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.
The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.
- Seek Truth and Report It
- Minimize Harm
- Act Independently
- Be Accountable and Transparent
News outlet codes of ethics and standards
One of the ways in which a news source demonstrates its authenticity and responsibility to its readers is through a publicly accessible code of ethics or standards. A sample of various codes, mission statements and ethics handbooks are listed below.
- News Leaders Association: Codes of EthicsA comprehensive list of codes of ethics from 47 different news outlets and professional organizations dedicated to journalism
What makes real news real?
Borrowed with permission from Indiana University East.
Things to think about
Borrowed with permission from Indiana University East.
Quality Journalism
Seven Standards of Quality Journalism
1. Multiple credible sources
2. Verification
3. Avoidance of Bias
4. Balance
5. Documentation
6. Context
7. Fairness
Activity: Select a claim to examine
- Food Babe: How Food Companies Exploit AmericansThis article claims that US consumers ingest chemicals that people in other countries don't. Is that true? What else does this article imply?
- Spoon University: Drinking Tequila Could Help You Lose WeightCan you find enough evidence to prove or disprove this claim?
- Anonymous: Ten Signs the Global Elite are Losing ControlLots of claims here. Pick one or two and check to your heart's content.
- Counter Current News: Marijuana Does Not Lower IQUp for the challenge of proving or disproving this one?
Borrowed with permission from Indiana University East.
