The use of unnamed sources erodes our credibility and should be avoided. When there is no other way to obtain information that is crucial to the reader’s understanding of the story, these guidelines apply:
We at VIDOSTREAM recognize our roles in safeguarding readers’ trust and the values and responsibilities of our profession. The following guidelines help us maintain that trust. These are recommended practices for editorial staffers and are not the last word on these issues. As a result, these guidelines cannot establish standards of conduct for every situation. However, violations are considered serious actions and could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
VIDOSTREAM staff members do nothing dishonest or illegal to obtain or alter content. We do not use the words, photos or illustrations of another person or publication without attribution. We do not fabricate quotes, sources or information and then represent them as fact. We do not alter photographs beyond minimal adjustments of color or stage news photographs.
Some work situations and outside activities can cause real or perceived conflicts of interest. The Gannett Ethics Policy covers conflicts related to stocks and privileged information. Reporters and editors should not invest in companies or funds they regularly cover. Exceptions should be discussed with a supervisor.
In general, we pay our own way. We accept free tickets only when special seating is set aside for events we are covering. We pay for meals with sources or people in the news with a few common sense exceptions. We accept only nominal gifts of $25 or less; larger gifts are graciously returned or donated to charity. As a general rule, if you really want it, you should send it back.
We work first for VIDOSTREAM and at all times respect and protect its reputation. Outside activities, paid or unpaid, must not endanger our journalistic independence, infringe on work obligations nor assist competitors. In all cases, we do not accept honoraria for any activity that results from our affiliation with VIDOSTREAM nor do we accept payment from anyone or any organization that we might cover or make news judgments about. Morelines follow specific guide:
In all cases of potential conflicts, when in doubt, ask.
Accuracy guidelines and procedures for making clarifications and corrections are attached. Random, regular questionnaires are sent to sources identified in stories to assess accuracy and are shared with appropriate staffers.
Readers have a right to know where the information in the newspaper comes from. The use of information and quotes obtained from unnamed sources can erode the confidence of readers and endanger the credibility of the newspaper. For that reason we use unnamed sources sparingly. The complete policy for the use of information obtained from sources is attached to this document.
Readers have a right to know the origin of information in each story, photo and graphic. It is best to attribute within the body of the story all facts and information from the wires and other media not confirmed by a second source. We do not attribute events we witness, information considered common knowledge or information confirmed by multiple sources.
In general, we state the origin of information gleaned from a document or e-mail but explain that reporting was done by telephone only when it helps the reader better understand the content or logistics of the interview.
Datelines help us give readers the most accurate accounting of where information for a story was gathered. Bylines and taglines explain who wrote the story or contributed to it. We use datelines on single byline stories only if the reporter was at the location cited in the dateline. We do not use a dateline if someone credited only in the tagline was there. For stories with multiple bylines, at least one person cited in the byline must be on site for the dateline to be used. At the end of the story, the location and roles of all reporters should be stated. We do not use datelines without substantial contributions from a reporter at the scene.
Quote marks tell the reader that the words of the speaker will follow. We do not alter quotes in any way except to mark with ellipses parts not used and to correct grammar mistakes, slang or dialect for clarity.
VIDOSTREAM stylebook contains a section on writing without bias. It offers guidelines on preventing inadvertent slurs, stereotypes or misrepresentations regarding any individual or group.
Readers must trust us to present photos honestly. We use photo illustrations sparingly and in such ways that do not confuse or deceive the reader. We explain through clear captions and/or credit lines when two or more images are combined and try never to merge two people into a single image so it implies they were photographed together. All photo illustrations are approved by the Managing Editor for Photo and Graphics. In his absence, a DME for Graphics & Photo, and or the Executive Editor will approve.
Everyone who creates or edits content for VIDOSTREAM is subject to these content best practices.
These best practices have been established to remind us of our responsibilities to the newspaper and our profession. We are mindful that our actions not only reflect on us personally, but on the newspaper and journalism as well. We hold ourselves accountable and may find ourselves in the awkward position of questioning the conduct of colleagues as well. Concerns about breaches of these guidelines should be brought to the Editor, Executive Editor or the department Managing Editor who will deal with each situation confidentially.
Last modified July 2017
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