WIRE’s success as a mission-driven investigative journalism organization depends on readers’ confidence that we are adhering to the highest standards of accuracy, independence, and fairness. Our ethics guidelines, adapted from those outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists, aim to establish and maintain our credibility.
Seek the Facts and Report Them
Ethical journalism should be accurate, fair, and thorough. Journalists should:
- Verify the accuracy of information before publishing, and use original sources whenever possible.
- Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing, or summarizing a story.
- Diligently seek out subjects of coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.
- Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources.
- Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution, or other harm and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted.
- Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield details vital to the public.
- Never encourage or condone illegal activity in the interest of the story.
- Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.
- Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views a journalist finds repugnant.
- Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open and that public records are open to all.
- Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate.
- Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.
- Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.
- Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label photo illustrations, montages, and composites.
- Never plagiarize. Always attribute.
Minimize Harm
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues, and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. Journalists should:
- Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with children, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.
- Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
- Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence, or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information.
- Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
- Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.
- Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know.
- Provide updated and more complete information when appropriate.
Act Independently
The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. Journalists should:
- Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
- Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors, or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage. Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel, and special treatment.
- Avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise journalistic integrity or impartiality or damage credibility.
- Never pay for access to news or sources. Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money.
Be Accountable and Transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public. Journalists should:
- Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity, and fairness.
- Acknowledge mistakes, and correct them promptly and prominently. Present corrections and clarifications clearly.
- Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences.
- Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organization.
- Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.