4/26/15

The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics: Act Independently - If John Hammer owns the Rhino, should he endorse, solicit political advertisement revenue and "independently" report simultaneously?

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.

The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How is Hammer and the Rhino different from the N&O or any other newspaper in that matter?

Hartzman said...

Because Mr. Hammer owns the paper, is the city reporter, solicits advertizing from politicians and then endorses, many times without ever interviewing the candidates.