Rules of the Game   

Highlights of the Associated Press Managing Editors' proposed ethics code

Highlights of the Associated Press Managing Editors' proposed ethics code:

ACCURACY: Newspapers should develop and use safeguards to avoid error. These should include systematic verification of facts and quotations and corroboration of critical information.

ALTERATION OF QUOTES: While some newspapers may impose a stricter standard, there may be little or no actual harm in altering quotes in the following limited circumstances:

(1) Correcting grammar that could make the statement confusing or would make the speaker appear foolish;

(2) Avoiding dialect that is not essential to the story.

ALTERATION OF PHOTOS: The actual content of a photograph should not be altered or manipulated, except for illustrative purposes, in which case the image must be clearly labeled to indicate it has been altered.

HONESTY: Deceptive practices such as misrepresentation, trickery, impersonation and use of hidden tape recorders or cameras in news gathering can seriously undermine a newspaper's credibility and trustworthiness. These practices are outside the bounds of generally accepted journalistic behavior.

An editor confronted with a decision to exceed those bounds should meet the following minimum conditions:

(1) Public importance: The expected news story must be of such vital public interest that its news value clearly outweighs the damage to trust and credibility that might result from the use of deception.

(2) Alternatives: The story cannot reasonably be recast to avoid the need to deceive.

(3) Last resort: All other means of getting the story must have been exhausted.

(4) Editorial approval: The decision to use deception must be approved at the highest level of the newsroom after thorough discussion.

(5) Disclosure: The deceptive practices and the reason they were used must be disclosed in print at the time the story is published.

As a final caution, an editor should ask these questions:

(A) Was the decision to deceive discussed as thoroughly and broadly as feasible, and do other staffers generally accept the decision?

(B) Will readers and staff members tend to agree that the story justified the deception?

POLLS AND SURVEYS: Newspapers should clearly distinguish between scientific polls and non-scientific surveys such as reader call-ins or write-ins and person-on-the-street inquiries that are reported in statistical terms. This must be done in a way that is likely to be understood by the average reader.

PROMISES:

(1) Journalists should not promise anything outside the scope of their authority. Promises made in such circumstances cannot be considered binding on the newspaper. Senior editors should ensure that staff members understand the limits of their authority.

(2) Promises made to a news source regarding conditions of use or attribution (including such designations as off the record, on background, not for attribution and embargoed) or pre-publication review of any sort should be kept by the newspaper or the information should not be used.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

(1) Journalists should avoid situations that compromise their newspapers, whether actual or apparent. They should not be involved in the news they cover. They should avoid signing petitions, participating in demonstrations or serving in a decision making capacity or fundraiser for organizations that generate significant news.

(2) Journalists should not accept favors or gifts, subsidized or free travel, accommodations, special discounts, tickets to sports or entertainment events, or other benefits from news sources or organizations that the newspaper may cover.

(3) Contests: Stories, photographs and illustrations should not be published for the purpose of winning awards or prizes.

FAIRNESS:

(1) Opportunity to reply: In reporting any statements that could injure the reputation of an individual or group, those affected must be given the earliest opportunity to reply.

(2) Courtesy and compassion: Special care should be taken to treat sensitively those who are unaccustomed to dealing with the press.

(3) Developments: When stories have been prominently displayed, fairness requires that substantial subsequent developments be covered and similarly displayed.

DIVERSITY:

(1) Editors must make concerted, sustained efforts to recruit, retain and develop staffs that reflect the variety of the communities they serve.

(2) Journalists should conduct themselves in a way that underscores a commitment to fair treatment for all people. Membership in discriminatory clubs and organizations undermines a journalist's credibility.