The Concho Observer seeks to be a publication that conforms to the highest and best tradition of journalism and journalistic ethics. In keeping with that goal, and its values, The Concho Observer has adopted the Statement of Principles of the American Society of Newspaper Editors as our Code of Ethics.
As applied to The Concho Observer, those principles are:
I. Responsiblity.
The primary purpose of gathering and distributing news and opinion is to serve the general welfare by informing the people and enabling them to make judgments on the issues of the time. Journalists who abuse the power of their professional role for selfish motives or unworthy purposes are faithless to that public trust. The American press was made free not just to inform or just to serve as a forum for debate but also to bring an independent scrutiny to bear on the forces of power in the society, including the conduct of official power at all levels of government.
II – Freedom of the Press.
Freedom of the press belongs to the people. It must be defended against encroachment or assault from any quarter, public or private. Journalists must be constantly alert to see that the public’s business is conducted in public. They must be vigilant against all who would exploit the press for selfish purposes.
III – Independence.
Journalists must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety as well as any conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict. They should neither accept anything nor pursue any activity that might compromise or seem to compromise their integrity.
IV – Truth and Accuracy.
Good faith with the reader is the foundation of good journalism. Every effort must be made to assure that the news content is accurate, free from bias and in context, and that all sides are presented fairly. Editorials, analytical articles and commentary should be held to the same standards of accuracy with respect to facts as news reports. Significant errors of fact, as well as errors of omission, should be corrected promptly and prominently.
V – Impartiality.
To be impartial does not require the press to be unquestioning or to refrain
from editorial expression. Sound practice, however, demands a clear distinction for the reader
between news reports and opinion. Articles that contain opinion or personal interpretation should be
clearly identified.
VI – Fair Play.
Journalists should respect the rights of people involved in the news, observe the common standards of decency and stand accountable to the public for the fairness and accuracy of their news reports. Persons publicly accused should be given the earliest opportunity to respond. Pledges of confidentiality to news sources must be honored at all costs, and therefore should not be given lightly. Unless there is clear and pressing need to maintain confidences, sources of information should be identified.
We ask our readers to hold us accountable to our values and these ethical principles.
You can read the full Statement of Principles here. You can learn more about the News Leadership Association here.
