2008 Woodie Awards
The Trident
Code of Ethics
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: News
When Eugene Meyer bought The Washington Post in 1933 he published "These Principles" in The Post's first Code of Ethics:
•The first mission of a newspaper is to tell the truth as nearly as the truth may be ascertained.
•The newspaper shall tell ALL the truth so far as it can learn it, concerning the important affairs of America and the world.
•As a disseminator of the news, the paper shall observe the decencies that are obligatory upon a private gentleman.
•What it prints shall be fit reading for the young as well as for the old.
•The newspaper's duty is to its readers and to the public at large, and not to the private interests of the owner.
As Mr. Meyer's "Principles" have served The Post well for over 70 years, and as starting point for countless journalism ethics codes, it is on these journalistic principles that The Trident will base its own code of ethics. This code also draws a great deal from the Society of Professional Journalism's recommended Code of Ethics.
The Trident is an independent, student run, weekly publication aimed primarily at the student body of Washington and Lee University. The Trident believes the duty of an independent student newspaper is to deliver information to and provide a forum for discussion for the University community. Serving the University community's right to know the truth surrounding events and issues of public importance and interest is the unifying mission of any independent student newspaper. The motive behind accurate news gathering and distribution is to serve the general welfare of the University community. Student journalists who use their platform for selfish, unworthy or inappropriate discussion violate a trust without which independent student journalism cannot function.
Journalists should:
Seek and Report the Truth:
- Confirm the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid accidental inaccuracy.
- Make every effort to seek out subjects of news stories to give them ample opportunity to respond to issues or allegations of wrongdoing. (Email is not enough; phone calls and office visits must be attempted)
•The first mission of a newspaper is to tell the truth as nearly as the truth may be ascertained.
•The newspaper shall tell ALL the truth so far as it can learn it, concerning the important affairs of America and the world.
•As a disseminator of the news, the paper shall observe the decencies that are obligatory upon a private gentleman.
•What it prints shall be fit reading for the young as well as for the old.
•The newspaper's duty is to its readers and to the public at large, and not to the private interests of the owner.
As Mr. Meyer's "Principles" have served The Post well for over 70 years, and as starting point for countless journalism ethics codes, it is on these journalistic principles that The Trident will base its own code of ethics. This code also draws a great deal from the Society of Professional Journalism's recommended Code of Ethics.
The Trident is an independent, student run, weekly publication aimed primarily at the student body of Washington and Lee University. The Trident believes the duty of an independent student newspaper is to deliver information to and provide a forum for discussion for the University community. Serving the University community's right to know the truth surrounding events and issues of public importance and interest is the unifying mission of any independent student newspaper. The motive behind accurate news gathering and distribution is to serve the general welfare of the University community. Student journalists who use their platform for selfish, unworthy or inappropriate discussion violate a trust without which independent student journalism cannot function.
Journalists should:
Seek and Report the Truth:
- Confirm the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid accidental inaccuracy.
- Make every effort to seek out subjects of news stories to give them ample opportunity to respond to issues or allegations of wrongdoing. (Email is not enough; phone calls and office visits must be attempted)
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Leroy
posted 6/24/08 @ 6:38 PM EST
Start updating the online edition. This sorry letter from the editor is the first thing that's been posted on this website in a year.
Donald S. Hillman '46
posted 9/02/08 @ 12:50 PM EST
As a former Publications Board Member and devoted alumnus, I very much miss not seeing THE TRIDENT website. Hopefully, you will resume this vital communication. (Continued…)
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