JS&IP Section 7
Ethical Sourcing
Two Sources
Whenever possible a story will be confirmed by no less than two sources. If a story only has one Source, the journalist will seek approval from the News Director. If a story is sensitive or questionable, more than two Sources may be required before publication.
Payment
The News Department does not pay their sources, and we do not pay for stories under any circumstance.
Offerings such as water, coffee, tea, juice, pop, a snack, or a cigarette are not considered payment and may be offered by any Journalist or Editor or News Director, at any time to anyone. We may offer contests to readers who submit news tips, each tip shall be an entry and the winner will win a disclosed prize. Contest prizes are not considered payment.
Agreements
In the interest of access to important stories and background information, we may make an agreement with a Source. When we make any agreement we are clear on what the agreement is, and the agreement is reached before the information is divulged.
When a Journalist agrees to speak to a Source, “Off the record”, the Journalist shall not publish the information, and the identity of the Source shall not be shared with anyone.
We may also agree to grant confidentiality to a Source. When confidentiality is required or requested the request shall be referred to the News Director for approval. Agreements to grant confidentiality of a published Source will be made only by the News Director. The News Director shall balance the public interest in knowing the information, the possible negative outcomes the Source may face if not granted, and the credibility of the Source.
We do not use Anonymous Sources. We accept information and appreciate information from Anonymous Sources, and when received such information shall be verified before publication.
Embargoes
We do not enter into, nor agree to, nor honour any embargo. We are independent and we release our stories when they are finished and have been reviewed through the lens of our JS&IP. We do not wait, hold back, or make any other deals with anyone based on when we publish our stories.
Leaked Documents
Decisions on whether to publish a leaked document from a Source will be made by the News Director in consultation with the Journalist.
The decision will balance the right of the public to know the information in the document, against the harm it may cause. Prior to publication all information in the leaked document shall be verified.
Verification
Whenever possible, all news information we publish should be verified by a Journalist, an Editor, or a Director, and must be in keeping with our JS&IP. This includes user generated and user submitted content.
Identification
Whenever possible, sources are clearly identified by name and title if applicable. The motive of the Source should be conveyed when needed for context or transparency. If the Source has extensive knowledge of a subject, this too should be conveyed.