The Concho Observer strives to operate under a key set of values. In accordance with these values we also have adopted a statement of ethical principles under which we operate.
OUR VALUES
WE VALUE DEMOCRACY.
- We believe democracy is the best form of government to secure freedom.
- We believe that in order to have democracy the people must know the truth about their government and elected officials.
WE VALUE OUR COMMUNITY.
- We believe that San Angelo is a great place to live and work and raise a family.
- We believe that San Angelo’s stories, and culture are worth writing about.
WE VALUE LOCAL CONTROL.
- We believe that the people of San Angelo know better how to govern themselves than distant officials in Austin or Washington D.C.
WE VALUE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
- We believe that local government is the most important level of government.
- We believe local government is best when it is held accountable to the people by the truth.
WE VALUE A RESPONSIBLE FREE PRESS
- We believe people need true and accurate information to participate in democracy.
- We believe that a responsible, free and open press is the best way to provide truth to the public.
STATEMENT OF ETHICS
Keeping with those 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 Observe, 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.
Corrections Policy
The Concho Observer strives to ensure there are no errors of fact in the news we publish, but mistakes will happen.
It is our policy to publicly correct any errors that significantly impact the accuracy of a report.
In order to have the most transparent process and ensure honest reporting, we will not hide mistakes that appeared in print.
Errors will be acknowledged by official corrections at once. Articles will be corrected immediately, and a note will be added at the top regarding the date of the correction and the nature of the error.
Readers are encouraged to point out any errors in our reporting via email to news@conchoobserver.com, and corrections will be handled by the original author as soon as possible.