A project of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
A project of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
The goal of the Community News Service is twofold: To train the next generation of reporters, and to assist local newspapers to inform their readers. This standards document lays out how CNS editorial staff should conduct themselves when doing their work.
Understanding and abiding by an ethical guide such as this is an essential piece of being an effective journalist. Journalists without the trust of their readers are ineffective, and a lack of trust in one journalist or outlet can and does spread to impact the entire profession. While these standards are an important codification of how CNS journalists should conduct themselves, they are only effective if they are followed to the letter and to the spirit — it’s impossible for a single code to cover every situation that a journalist may encounter. Good judgment and asking for help are key to following the spirit of this code.
Furthermore, due to the unique nature of the CNS, where journalists work through partner outlets and CNS-run outlets, reporters may be subject to multiple ethics codes. Some outlets have their own codes, which should be studied prior to submitting work for publication. Any conflicts between this code, and that of a partner publication should be addressed through a conversation between the CNS editor, the CNS reporter and the editor of the partner publication.
CNS journalists, though they are largely students, must understand the solemn responsibility they have as members of the media under the First Amendment. Most readers do not distinguish between a student contributor and a professional, therefore we must adhere to professional standards so as not to lose a reader’s trust. At all times, CNS journalists must exercise mature professional judgment.
This standards guide is largely influenced by, and meant to supplement, the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, which is republished at the end of this document.
Any and all questions, concerns or comments about this code should be addressed to CNS editor Cory Dawson: cddawson@uvm.edu or 802-363-6696.
These guidelines apply to any CNS staff that engages in reader-facing work. In other words, if you take pictures, make videos or podcasts, write copy, or produce any work that a reader may reasonably perceive to be a journalistic work, these standards apply.
All staff are expected to read and understand these guidelines. Often, the ethical course of action is clear through asking if the action will damage the reputation of the CNS, a partner paper or damage the trust of a reader.
Ignorance of these guidelines is not an excuse for violating them. Any doubts or questions about the proper course of action should be addressed with the CNS editor.
All CNS staff should treat sources fairly and openly, and all reporting should be done with honesty and integrity. Act as if all of your communications and actions may be published in a newspaper or read in a deposition.
Coverage may not be paid for, and CNS staff should not accept gifts.
Staff should always make their identity known and be clear about where their work may appear. “Hi, I’m a student reporter writing an article for The Hinesburg Record.”
Staff should always ask to record a conversation with a source. Surreptitious recording is a severe breach of trust between a source and a reporter, and is illegal in some states.
Editorial work may not be shared outside of the CNS or partner publications prior to publication. If a source asks to see a story prior to publication, politely decline, cite this policy, and refer the source to the CNS editor for any follow-up discussion.
Being on or off the record is an agreement between a reporter and a source.
Generally speaking, if a reporter identifies themselves as such and conveys that they are writing a news story, that conversation should be considered on the record. Most people will understand that anything they say in the course of the conversation can be used in publication.
Some sources may ask to go off the record, meaning the material said thereafter should not be used for publication. The reporter has to agree to go off the record. Sources may not retroactively ask for material that was previously on the record, to be off the record.
CNS reporters should always strive to keep conversations on the record. If a source is asking to go off the record, ask for the reasoning why. In some cases, it may make sense to go off the record. For instance, a common reason is a source wants to share information they heard secondhand, and wants to encourage a reporter to verify it.
CNS staff should always strive to create an accurate news report and should develop systems and checklists to ensure accuracy. Per the National Public Radio accuracy checklist, CNS journalists who collect and write the information we publish will double-check:
SUPERLATIVES. If something is said to be the "first," "last," "best," "worst," "only," "oldest," "youngest" etc., that claim must be verified. If it can't be, the claim should be deleted or qualified – and clearly attributed.
PERSONAL NAMES. Verify them, spell them correctly (for radio and the Web) and confirm pronunciations.
AGES. Get a person's date of birth and do the math.
TITLES. President, CEO, professor, etc. They must be accurate.
NAMES of BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS and INSTITUTIONS.
DAYS and DATES. Are you sure this happened then?
HISTORICAL "FACTS." Are you sure it happened that way?
LOCATIONS. Is that where this happened? Is that where this person is from? Is that really the capital?
NUMBERS and CALCULATIONS. Do the math yourself. Should it be millions, billions or trillions? Is the decimal in the correct place? Is it percent or percentage point?
QUOTES. They must be attributed to the right person.
WEB ADDRESSES and PHONE NUMBERS. They have to be tested.
Mistakes happen and corrections will have to be made. Most corrections can be avoided through simple follow-up fact-checking calls to sources to check what the reporter would like to publish.
CNS only makes corrections for factual errors; an issue with the tone or structure of an article is not grounds for a correction. When any CNS staff learns of a factual error, all communication about the possible correction should be forwarded to the CNS editor and digital editor. Not acting to correct a possible published error is a serious violation of this code and may result in dismissal from the internship.
Plagiarism of any kind is not only an academic issue that will be referred to the proper authorities within the University of Vermont, and is a career-ending mistake in journalism. Don’t do it. Attribute properly (...according to the World Health Organization...said a spokesperson for the Department of Health…)
No stories or any editorial content may be made available outside of CNS or CNS partner outlets prior to publication. That means that if a source asks a reporter to review an article they are writing, the answer is always no. Providing a story outside of the editorial chain is fraught with potential dangers — it may give the impression that the reporter doesn’t feel confident enough with their story, or it may improperly imply that the source has veto power over what we plan publish. If a story was hypothetically provided to one source before publication, it would be unfair to only let that one source review the piece and not make the same offer to others in the story.
Reporters may check facts with their sources, commonly via an email with a list of facts provided by the source to be sure they are accurate, but never the full story. This is one area where recorded conversations and plenty of sources become extremely important. Bottom line: reporters and all CNS newspeople should politely but strongly protect their editorial independence at all times.
More discussion about prior review here.
Any conflict of interest that arises — real or perceived — should be disclosed to the CNS editor or supervising partner paper editor prior to starting any work on any assignment. A conflict may exist when personal interests may compromise, or appear to compromise professional interests. For example:
A reporter’s parent sits on the selectboard of a town they are covering
A reporter previously worked for a political candidate whom they must interview on their beat
A reporter’s significant other has a relationship with the subject of the reporter’s coverage
CNS staff are advised to refrain from expressing personal opinions about issues they report on in public conversation, including forums like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.
The CNS editor should be made aware of any past published statements that may make a reader reasonably question a reporter’s ability to write fairly on their beats.
The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics has served as an industry-standard touchstone for American journalism. CNS staff are encouraged to review the reasoning behind each of these tenets by visiting https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp and following the links for more case studies and ethical debates.
Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. Journalists should:
Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.
Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.
Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story.
Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises they make.
Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources.
Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted
Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.
Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public.
Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.
Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all.
Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate.
Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.
Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.
Label advocacy and commentary.
Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.
Never plagiarize. Always attribute.
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. Journalists should:
Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.
Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.
Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information.
Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.
Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.
Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate.
The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. Journalists should:
Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.
Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not.
Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage.
Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content.
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one's work and explaining one’s decisions to the public. Journalists should:
Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content.
Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.
Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.
Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations.
Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.
