Associated Press Managing Editors. Code of Ethics. 1995
This AP Code of Ethics is located at http://www.asne.org/ideas/codes/apme.htm
Associated Press Managing Editors
Code of Ethics
Revised and Adopted 1995
These principles are a model against which news and editorial staff
members can measure their performance. They have been formulated in the
belief that newspapers and the people who produce them should adhere to
the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
The public's right to know about matters of importance is paramount.
The newspaper has a special responsibility as surrogate of its readers
to be a vigilant watchdog of their legitimate public interests.
No statement of principles can prescribe decisions governing every situation.
Common sense and good judgment are required in applying ethical principles
to newspaper realities. As new technologies evolve, these principles can
help guide editors to insure the credibility of the news and information
they provide. Individual newspapers are encouraged to augment these APME
guidelines more specifically to their own situations.
RESPONSIBILITY
The good newspaper is fair, accurate, honest, responsible, independent
and decent.
Truth is its guiding principle.
It avoids practices that would conflict with the ability to report and
present news in a fair, accurate and unbiased manner.
The newspaper should serve as a constructive critic of all segments
of society. It should reasonably reflect, in staffing and coverage, its
diverse constituencies. It should vigorously expose wrongdoing, duplicity
or misuse of power, public or private. Editorially, it should advocate
needed reform and innovation in the public interest. News sources should
be disclosed unless there is a clear reason not to do so. When it is necessary
to protect the confidentiality of a source, the reason should be explained.
The newspaper should uphold the right of free speech and freedom of
the press and should respect the individual's right to privacy. The newspaper
should fight vigorously for public access to news of government through
open meetings and records.
ACCURACY
The newspaper should guard against inaccuracies, carelessness, bias
or distortion through emphasis, omission or technological manipulation.
It should acknowledge substantive errors and correct them promptly and
prominently.
INTEGRITY
The newspaper should strive for impartial treatment of issues and dispassionate
handling of controversial subjects. It should provide a forum for the exchange
of comment and criticism, especially when such comment is opposed to its
editorial positions. Editorials and expressions of personal opinion by
reporters and editors should be clearly labeled. Advertising should be
differentiated from news.
The newspaper should report the news laws without regard for its own
interests, mindful of the need to disclose potential conflicts. It should
not give favored news treatment to advertisers or special-interest groups.
It should report matters regarding itself or its personnel with the
same vigor and candor as it would other institutions or individuals. Concern
for community, business or personal interests should not cause the newspaper
to distort or misrepresent the facts.
The newspaper should deal honestly with readers and newsmakers. It should
keep its promises.
The newspaper should not plagiarize words or images.
INDEPENDENCE
The newspaper and its staff should be free of obligations to news sources
and newsmakers. Even the appearance of obligation or conflict of interest
should be avoided.
Newspapers should accept nothing of value from news sources or others
outside the profession. Gifts and free or reduced-rate travel, entertainment,
products and lodging should not be accepted. Expenses in connection with
news reporting should be paid by the newspaper. Special favors and special
treatment for members of the press should be avoided.
Journalists are encouraged to be involved in their communities, to the
extent that such activities do not create conflicts of interest. Involvement
in politics, demonstrations and social causes that would cause a conflict
of interest, or the appearance of such conflict, should be avoided.
Work by staff members for the people or institutions they cover also
should be avoided.
Financial investments by staff members or other outside business interests
that could create the impression of a conflict of interest should be avoided.
Stories should not be written or edited primarily for the purpose of
winning awards and prizes. Self-serving journalism contests and awards
that reflect unfavorably on the newspaper or the profession should be avoided.
