2008 Woodie Awards
The Trident
Code of Ethics
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: News
- Make certain that headlines, graphics, and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
- Never distort the content of news photos. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label all montages and illustrations.
- Never plagiarize, by the time you get sued you will have already been kicked out of school.
- Avoid stereotyping of any kind, i.e. race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
- Support the open exchange of views, even views those you strongly disagree with.
- Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
- Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context. Forwarding a personal opinion or cause is strictly prohibited.
- Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that university records are open to inspection.
Minimize Harm:
-Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
- Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
- Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
- Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public/university officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
- Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges. Always provide the accused a chance to respond to charges before publication.
Act Independently:
-Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Athletes should not be covering their own games, writers should not be reporting on issues involving their own fraternity or sorority, etc.
- Never distort the content of news photos. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label all montages and illustrations.
- Never plagiarize, by the time you get sued you will have already been kicked out of school.
- Avoid stereotyping of any kind, i.e. race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
- Support the open exchange of views, even views those you strongly disagree with.
- Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
- Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context. Forwarding a personal opinion or cause is strictly prohibited.
- Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that university records are open to inspection.
Minimize Harm:
-Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
- Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
- Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
- Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public/university officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
- Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges. Always provide the accused a chance to respond to charges before publication.
Act Independently:
-Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Athletes should not be covering their own games, writers should not be reporting on issues involving their own fraternity or sorority, etc.
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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