Key Documents: Section II. Codes of Ethics/Newsroom Policies and Standards - General Professional Associations

Introduction

The general professional associations contributing statements of principles to this category boast far-ranging memberships of working journalists that transcend affiliations with any specific communications medium, news organization, or journalism job description. As a result, these groups chose to pen documents calling for a variety of ethical behavior that all journalists could embrace. In every instance, the goal was to encourage those in journalism to be seriously concerned with fairness, honesty, professional integrity, and the public good.

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) each offers a formal Code of Ethics that serves as a guideline for proper journalism practices throughout the industry. The depth and breadth of the codes vary, but all three emphasize a number of common traits. They push journalists to seek and report the truth, clearly identify sources where necessary, protect sources promised anonymity, refrain from doing harm where possible, and to treat all news subjects with respect and dignity. The documents also reflect a mutual desire for journalists to avoid conflicts of interest—real or perceived—while refusing to accept gifts, favors or other remunerations that might compromise news coverage.

SPJ, the nation's most broad-based journalism organization, also joined NABJ and NAHJ in urging journalists to boldly tell the story of diversity. In addition, the groups all admonish members to refuse to stereotype people by race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, et cetera. The NAHJ Code of Ethics goes even further by condemning the promoting of “prejudicial or racial slurs.” The group makes note as well of the advantages of fostering cultural pluralism.

The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) opted to publish “Fourteen Steps to Fairness: A Model of Parity in the Journalism Workplace” rather than another code of ethics. The document outlines the steps necessary to ensure the equitable treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) journalists in the workplace. This addresses issues associated with hiring, promotion, benefits and comfort on the job, among others. It also asks news organizations to advocate for fair and balanced news coverage that considers LGBT angles.

The Coalition of Journalists for Open Government, true to its name, elected to focus on one enormous issue of concern to all journalists in lieu of advocating for a particular segment of the industry or high standards in general. This statement of principles makes a case for the importance of the free flow of government information to the people. It stipulates the limitations to be placed on exceptions to open government laws. It also suggests proper guidelines for access, inspection, and copying of any government record. The document finishes off with arguments supporting access to government meetings for journalists and others.

—Glenn Lewis Volume Editor

Society of Professional Journalists—Code of Ethics

Preamble

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

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