JS&IP Section 5

Integrity

Integrity builds trust. 

We follow best practices, the law, and our JS&IP. We take steps to protect ourselves from conflicts of interest both real and perceived. Our ability to gather and disseminate news relies on our credibility and reputation, and we act in a way that protects both.

We always take steps to avoid a conflict of interest, however if one becomes unavoidable we clearly disclose the conflict to our audience. We understand that conflicts of interest, real or perceived, may result in the News Director assigning a story to another Journalist who is unconflicted.

When a Journalist makes a promise, an agreement or gives their word, they keep their end of the deal. Subjects and Sources must be able to trust our assertions. If a Source or Subject makes a statement clearly “Off the record” that is to be sacrosanct. Journalists should never reveal their source if the Source has been given anonymity.

Journalists pay our own way. We must not accept gifts, no matter how small or seemingly harmless. We buy our coffee, we bring our own water. Nothing is bought for us, and we decline all favours that are offered to us.

We decline invitations to events unless we are covering the event as a Journalist gathering content for presumed publication. When we are attending an event to gather background on a story we seek the prior approval of the News Director.