At Verite News, we adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, which outlines the principles and standards of ethical journalism. Our commitment to ethical journalism is fundamental to serving our community with integrity and fairness.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information. At Verite News, we strive to:

  • Verify information before releasing it.
  • Use original sources whenever possible.
  • Identify sources clearly.
  • Avoid stereotyping.
  • Provide context to ensure the facts are presented accurately.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues, and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. Our guidelines include:

  • Showing compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage.
  • Balancing the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort.
  • Avoiding pandering to lurid curiosity.
  • Recognizing that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.

Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know. Our principles include:

  • Avoiding conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
  • Refusing gifts, favors, fees, free travel, and special treatment.
  • Disclosing unavoidable conflicts.
  • Being wary of sources offering information for favors or money.

Be Accountable and Transparent

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers, and each other. At Verite News, we:

  • Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences.
  • Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity, and fairness.
  • Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently.
  • Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within our own organization.

By adhering to these ethical principles, Verite News aims to maintain the trust of our community and uphold the highest standards of journalism. For a complete understanding of the SPJ Code of Ethics, please visit the Society of Professional Journalists’ website.