To our readers,
One responsibility we have as journalists is to report in accordance with ethical standards. Here at The Signpost, one of the ways we do that is by following the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, which is guided by four pillars: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable and transparent.
These principles help shape the editorial decisions we make and ensure we are serving both our audience and the people who trust us with their stories. They exist to protect individuals and guide the reporting that affects everyday lives, which is why following a code of ethics is so important.
This year, The Signpost participated in the “SIN & WIN” contest, a national challenge inviting college newspapers across the country to violate the SPJ Code of Ethics in a collaborative “SIN issue,” in a chance to win $500. We chose to approach this competition through a collective April Fool’s edition.
As you read through this series of stories, look closely for the small, and sometimes not-so small, ways we’ve broken the rules.
Some SPJ Code of Ethics The Signpost has violated in this issue include:
-Take responsibility for the work that is being published. Gather correct information, and update it when necessary. Verify that information is true before releasing.
-Question the public’s need for the information that is being published, and balance public need against potential harm or discomfort.
-Show compassion for those who may be affected by your stories, especially when dealing with juveniles.
-Avoid conflicts of interest in all cases.
-Clearly identify sources. The public is entitled to know information about a source to properly judge the reliability and motivations.
-Never deliberately distort facts or context on any written, spoken or visual content.
Although an April Fool’s Edition may be fun to read, it also serves as a reminder of why ethical guidelines matter. They ensure the public receives dependable information and hold newsrooms accountable to their communities. Without a code of ethics guiding editorial decisions, even small mistakes can grow into serious problems that promote misinformation, exactly what this April Fool’s edition was designed to highlight.
Sincerely,
Top Leadership
