10/28/13

Dear John Hammer and the Rhino Times, from the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

"In order to pay the $1 billion in estimated costs the city would have to raise property taxes by about $416.

It would mean that on a $100,000 home people would have to pay $416,632.50 in Greensboro property taxes every year.

Yet, the News & Record treats the financial consultant, who spoke about this plan for Greensboro’s future every chance he got, as a legitimate candidate for mayor.

It boggles the mind."

Rhino Shorts
October 24, 2013

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"The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.

Seek Truth and Report It"
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[GH; John Hammer, nor anyone from the Rhino, sought my input on the false information the Rhino reported concerning my Auto idea which states;

"Financing;

The City of Greensboro can invest about $50,000,000 of more than $200,000,000 in short term securities held off balance sheet, and financially strapped Guilford County can put up the land.

As Guilford County and Greensboro taxpayers should own shares, so can the public.

If Tesla Motors launched its initial public offering and raised $226 million, we can raise 10 times as much for an automobile that could sell 100 times more cars than Tesla, with a category killer idea that may change the future of the global auto manufacturing industry."

George Hartzman

[Therefore what the Rhino reported was inaccurate, misleading and defamatory]
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Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error.

[GH; John Hammer, nor anyone from the Rhino, tested the accuracy of the information reported.]

Deliberate distortion is never permissible.

Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.

[GH; John Hammer, nor anyone from the Rhino, contacted me to respond.]

Identify sources whenever feasible.

Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting.

[GH; John Hammer and the Rhino appear to be advocating for the candidates who pay the most for advertisements]

Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

[GH; John Hammer and the Rhino don't label much of anything as analysis and/or commentary]

Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

Minimize Harm

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

[not]

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

[not]

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

[not]

Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

[GH; Campaign cash for the Rhino from contribution receiving candidates]

Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.

http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

[GH; Please issue a correction]

1 comment:

JP said...

Unfortunately, having the MONEY to print and being ethical (or, any good for that matter) are not synonymous. The Greensboro Independent, on the other hand, is truthful and ethical, but without funding, won't be going to print...web only.

Effin' shame; the rich get richer I suppose...and you know the rest of the line. All the "conservatives" in GSO talk a BIG talk, but when it comes time to pony up some do-re-mi to fight for a cause, they disappear like roaches in the light. Big talk, big talk. Everyone wants freedom, but nobody seems to want to pay the price...I can't imagine what they will do when the pricetag for their freedoms are more than their worthless dollars.