3.01 Code of Ethics

Every journalist needs boundaries so this is My Code of Ethics.

1. Make sure your writing and/or photographs are the honest truth. It doesn't benefit you to be the only one who has a picture  or remark like that... It's false, and you'll get caught in the end.

2. When using photos taken at the scene, keep in mind that the victim had rights and so do their family. There are laws against showing a minor's face on the news, printing photos of the victim without permission, using graphic images for stories when they aren't needed, etc.

3. Do not plagiarize. It's not your writing or your work, so don't use it.

4. Do not let your bias, or another person's for that matter, influence the story. It's okay to involve your opinions or personal experiences as long as you let readers know that it isn't fact (Personally, I..., From my experience, ..., etc.). Journalism is stating the facts and the stories from all sides, not allowing people to buy your work or making readers think your personal thoughts are the truth.

5. Making sure the information is right is more important than releasing it first. It doesn't do any good to gossip when you hear something interesting. "The Senator is a Natzi": Oh really? Says who? Is there any evidence? Where was this heard? Readers deserve true stories whether they are rushed or not.