On ethics

For the aspiring reporter, there are tons of lessons to be learned on everything from the finer points of conducting an interview to how to prioritize facts in a story and more. Journalism is about informing and educating readers, and it takes a bit of finesse and a lot of practice to get it right. In the news world, credibility is earned.

So in a time when reporters are fired for making up sources and jailed for leaking information, it's especially important to reflect on the standards that the media is held to.

Many reporters personally commit themselves to the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, a straightforward set of guidelines that embrace the duties and responsibilities of the modern journalist as a vehicle for "public enlightenment... the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy."

Albeit preachy and patriotic, the code set forth by the SPJ is one of simplicity and ethical balance to ensure news presented is in fact fair. It breaks down ethical guidelines to four basic categories.

"Seek truth and report it."

This includes the basic tenets of reporting that make journalists proud of their work. Digging for the information that most people could never find, exposing a truth that may change lives and communities - truly processing and sharing information that benefits the world.

This also includes rules to make sure stories aren't skewed, either by a writer's or a source's personal agenda. Always identify where facts come from, to prove they aren't fabricated. Don't go conducting undercover snooping if information could just as easily be obtained through simpler means.

And then the (hopefully) obvious "never plagiarize."

Beyond do's and don'ts, the guidelines also remind journalists to "give voice to the voiceless," that is, interview common people and not just officials, and to "tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so."

Speak for and to everyone, not just a select few. The media exercises free speech for all.

"Minimize harm."

The second category of the SPJ Code of Ethics is a reminder that the power of words in print (or in other forms of media) is a strong one. One misquote, one bit of slander, one piece of commentary poorly worded can cause a major impact, intended or not. Freedom of information is important, but not when the result causes more societal harm than good.

Just because a writer has the name of a criminal suspect doesn't mean it needs to be printed. If the accused is innocent - and especially not ever charged - making the connection of that name to crime is slanderous.

Sensitive information, like coverage of a rape or juvenile crime, needs to be handled with care. If the story can be told without exposing victims or details, there is no reason to cause undue grief.

"Act independently."

This doesn't imply that journalists write whatever they want. Rather, it actually means that journalists work for the public and "the public's right to know." Reporters need to operate without any conflicts of interest; this is the altruistic clause.

Not only does this include not taking bribes or favors for writing positive coverage, it also draws a line in the sand between advertising and other content. In the business, the disregard for this is sometimes called "pay for play" - an obvious problem when readers are expecting unbiased coverage.

"Be accountable."

The last part of the Code of Ethics is a final check. After a story is written and published and new assignments come along, the responsibility still isn't over. If mistakes are made, fix them, either by reediting or by running a correction. If people have more questions, continue the investigation and/or be prepared to answer them.

And right near the end, "expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media." We are our own watchdogs.

It's important to see where journalists at every level come from because it's much too easy to be off put by one arrest or one information leak. As unfortunate as it is that not every reporter lives up to the standards set forth, know that most do.

Journalism is a profession of pride and passion. Adopting it as a career means making it a mantra, from the long hours on deadline to the preparedness of covering breaking news on a moments notice. In hand with the lifestyle is the credo, the dedication to abide by standards set forth by society. We don't follow the rules out of obligation - we follow them out of dedication.