This does not apply to use of a Reuters product which is directed to the consumer market. Within the United States and other developed countries, it is often used synonymously with alternative media to refer to media that specifically distinguish themselves in relation to the mainstream media. The important issue is whether or not this person is doing journalism. The state’s fear of the power of press organisations and their immense contributions to the defence of fundamental human rights often serves as justification for censorship. Entering competitions and receiving awards, Personal investments by Reuters journalists, http://handbook.reuters.com/index.php?title=Independence. As long as such occasions are newsworthy, it may be appropriate to accept the hospitality provided it is within reason. The question people should ask is not whether someone is called a journalist. Accuracy, independence, and impartiality: How legacy media and digital natives approach standards in the digital age Reuters Institute Fellow's Paper In the digital age, one of the most complex challenges for media outlets is how to re-shape the editorial responsibilities of journalism itself. It is news that has been verified by an independent organization that is accountable for the information. The solution to this kind of isolation is not to repudiate the concept of independence, however. Although freedom of the press is guaranteed in the First Amendment, to what extent that right If you think that there is a potential for conflict in any of your activities you should raise this with your manager. In most countries, government officials (and officers of state-owned enterprises) are also restricted in the benefits they can accept for performing their duties, including non-cash benefits. Independence. They should declare to their editors – or directly to the audience – any relevant information about political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal connections that might constitute a conflict of interest. Independence is the essence of our reputation as a “stateless” global news organisation and fundamental to the trust that allows us to report impartially from all sides of a conflict or dispute. What is actually being insinuated by places that declare their journalistic “independence,” then, is editorial independence—the idea that they answer to no one but the truth. Interview subjects or their organisations or companies sometimes ask to see the quotes we plan to publish or broadcast before they are issued. If we do have to submit quotes for approval, we should not agree to a quote being materially changed. The changing industry and regulatory environments make it clear that we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard in order to protect and grow the reputation of Reuters for accurate, unbiased journalism. Again, journalists must obtain permission from their manager to proceed. Sympathetic consideration will be given to unsolicited awards from reputable media rights groups or from official institutions that recognise a journalist’s contribution to civil society in a way that cannot be construed as self-serving. Having an opinion is not only allowable, not only natural, but it is valuable to the natural skepticism with which any good reporter approaches a story. In columns, features, data, and images, we examine the … Independent journalists were able to establish a connection with people. Independence from faction suggests there is a way to be a journalist without either denying the influence of personal experience or being hostage to it…. In exceptional circumstances, it may be impossible to get to the news without accepting free travel or accommodation. Such cases might include flying to a remote location to cover a famine story with an aid organisation, taking a military flight to a war zone or interviewing a company CEO on a private jet. If you cannot decide whether the gift is of greater than nominal value, assume that it is. The Independent Journalism Fund (IJF) supports independent journalists and alternative media in Central America so that they can research and report on the realities of the region, give voice to the people, and promote democracy. Thomson Reuters does not permit facilitation payments. Help advance the Nieman Foundation’s mission “to promote and elevate the standards of journalism” by making a donation. IKJ abbreviation stands for Independent Kurdistan Journalism. See more. But this assessment always includes a degree of fantasy. Entertainment, however, should not go beyond the bounds of normal, basic hospitality and needs to be in line with the Reuters policy on bribery, corruption, gifts and entertainment. In the end it is good judgment, and an abiding commitment to the principle of first allegiance to citizens, that separates the journalist from the partisan. Journalists also need to weigh how they entertain sources. No work for Reuters, whether text, visual or graphics, should be produced primarily for submission for an award, nor should it be altered, except to conform to the rules of the competition (e.g. Just as it should with political ideology, the question is not neutrality, but purpose. The use of journalistic AI tools raises questions about the implications for society. Submissions in contests not judged by journalists are generally not permissible and must be approved by the Ethics & Standards editor. …impartiality was never what was meant by objectivity. Become a member and unlock all Study Answers. For independent journalism to thrive, policy, law, and regulation all need to change and update to take account of the real and evolving needs … Reuters never submits stories, scripts or images to sources to vet before publication. noun Also independency. It is crucial to our ability to report on companies, institutions and individuals in the financial markets, many of whom are also our customers, without regard for anything other than accuracy, balance and the truth. submitted as a Word document). If a colleague from outside editorial raises an issue with a story or image and makes a reasoned argument that it is unbalanced or incorrect, then we have a clear duty to examine the complaint. Independent journalism has flourished on the island in the past five years, at great risk but with a protozoic zeal for truth and real reporting. Journalism in Belarus: 'Like walking through a minefield' Independent journalists are being beaten, detained and prosecuted in Belarus. Their credibility is rooted instead in the same dedication to accuracy, verification, the larger public interest, and a desire to inform that all other journalists subscribe to…. Such action is a grave breach of our ethics, undermines our independence and can lead to disciplinary action including dismissal. Verification, independence and accountability are the characteristics of … IndependenceJournalists must be independent voices; they should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. Journalists must inform themselves of the relevant restrictions before offering a gift of even nominal worth and seek approval from their manager. Employees will normally be given approval to submit work produced for Reuters for awards, including monetary awards, from reputable professional bodies in the news, photographic, television and graphics industries or to sit on the jury for such awards. A media organisation will be judged on the accuracy and reliability of its journalism, which must be well-sourced, supported by strong evidence, examined and tested, clear and unambiguous. Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States About Blog The Nieman Journalism Lab is an attempt to help journalism make the uneasy transition into the Internet age. We should resist such requests where possible. Permission will be routinely granted if the activities do not affect Reuters. Reuters encourages its employees to submit outstanding work, whether text, visual or graphics, for awards for excellence in journalism from reputable, disinterested sources. If that is impractical or will restrict access to sources, you must consult your manager about the offer. To refuse such a gift may cause offence and in weighing what to do, a journalist must be mindful of a society’s culture and traditions. Independence is the essence of our reputation as a “stateless” global news organisation and fundamental to the trust that allows us to report impartially from all sides of a conflict or dispute. The journalism that people from a diversity of perspectives produce together is better than that which any of them could produce alone…. News sources, often companies, will sometimes offer journalists free transport or accommodation to get to cover a story. But a journalist must be smart enough and honest enough to recognize that opinion must be based on something more substantial than personal beliefs if it is to be of journalistic use.”. Whether you are reporting news, financial information or other subjects you should ensure that no circumstances exist which could give rise to a suspicion of bias on the part of Reuters. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. Accuracy comes ahead of speed. Any unsolicited award for work done for Reuters should be reported immediately by the intended recipient to a manager, who should consider the matter in the spirit of these principles. By providing free and independent information, Sirleaf’s “newspaper,” The Daily Talk, promotes dialogue and can help prevent future conflicts. The classic book The Elements of Journalism defines independence as “independence from faction” and states that journalists “must maintain an independence from those they cover.” Under this definition, Graham Davis comes nowhere close to qualifying as independent, as he is employed by the Fiji government faction. Being first and wrong is not a model to aim for. Independence is an underlying requirement of journalism, a cornerstone of its reliability. (Guild members in the United States are not required to seek permission to take a second job unless it could be considered in competition with Reuters). Independence. It is often effective to give the source a tight deadline for approval. A traditional gift of purely nominal value may be appropriate to accept. Unsolicited awards need similar approval before they can be accepted, as do invitations to sit on a competition jury as a Reuters journalist. Independence. Does the work proceed from a respect for an adherence to the principles of truthfulness, an allegiance to citizens and community at large, and informing rather than manipulating— concepts that set journalism apart from other forms of communication? It trains students to be responsible members of the society. Campus journalism plays an important role in the academe. What is the abbreviation for Independent Kurdistan Journalism? It bolsters legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the public. Covering thought leadership in journalism. Failure to adhere to the standard will be subject to the disciplinary procedures in force in the location where any infraction occurs. That standard applies to all journalists in editorial and supplements the Code, which should be read in conjunction with it. “A lot of tech innovation in journalism is funded by the Google News Initiative. For independent journalism to thrive, policy, law, and regulation all need to change and update to take account of the real and evolving needs … Potter is executive director of NewsLab, an online resource for journalists in Washington. In some societies it is traditional to offer or receive gifts on special occasions, such as secular or religious holidays. The Fund for Independence in Journalism, "a 509 (a)(3) nonprofit, tax exempt organization, was created in 2003 to foster independent, high quality public service journalism in the United States and around the world. Reuters does not use gifts of value, in cash or in kind, to influence sources. The student paper serves as a major venue for the exercise of campus press freedom. The Some journalists are able but unwilling, while others are willing but unable. Employees may submit journalistic work produced for Reuters only in contests that are judged by journalists, and with the approval of their manager. Independence from state control, business interests, market forces, or any other vested interest or outside pressure is a hallmark of dispassionate, critical, and reliable journalism. Our independence stems not only from the structure of Reuters but also from our duty as journalists to avoid conflicts of interest or situations that could give rise to a perception of a conflict. How is the media managing to report on … Does t… Approval will not be granted to enter work for awards from companies, institutions, lobby groups, governments, political parties or associations and advocacy groups whose criteria are self-serving or whose aim in granting the award could be construed as an attempt to influence the impartiality and tenor of the recipient’s work or Reuters coverage. (Adapted from an article by Deborah Potter published in the Handbook of Independent Journalism. I travelled across the country before the election. It’s really cool that they do it. Independence has been an important journalism value for years and remains one of the four core principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Independence definition, the state or quality of being independent. What follows is not an exhaustive list of conflicts that might arise. The solution is to recruit more people from a diversity of classes and backgrounds and interests in the newsroom to combat insularity. But this assessment always includes a degree of fantasy. Please enter all fields marked above. In the course of gathering news, journalists are often invited to breakfasts, luncheons or dinners. It is news that has been verified by an independent organization that is accountable for the information. Home > Standards and Values > Independence. If you are not sure, hold fire. The oldest journalism association in the United States, the SPJ aims to promote the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, partly by encouraging reporters to practice the high standards in its ethics code. Care must be taken to ensure that such action does not come into conflict with the Trust Principles or departmental guidelines. Email must be an accepted format. Independence of Journalism. The manager needs to weigh such factors as access, newsworthiness and the potential for a conflict (what if there is no story out of the trip?) We do not accept “junkets” – events that have little if any value to our newsgathering such as an invitation to a free holiday, an evening’s entertainment or a sporting event at the expense of a news source. (Adapted from an article by Deborah Potter published in the Handbook of Independent Journalism. But Google is a company, right? and may need to escalate. The company does not expect this of its editorial staff. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform, not their devotion to a certain group or outcome. …the critical step in pursing truthfulness and informing citizens is not neutrality but independence…. Download the complete Handbook of Independent Journalism [PDF 834kB].) We identify and promote innovation in how the news gets reported, shared, and consumed — whether that's at traditional news organizations, the new generation of online startups, or something in between. The section in the Media independence has long been a tenuous concept in India. Bringing Independent Journalism to All. Accepting such hospitality when there is no news value might well be seen to create an unreasonable obligation to the source. In other words, it is an independent opinion. Accuracy is essential if journalism is to inform the public debate. “…Being impartial or neutral is not a core principle of journalism. freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others. Independent media refers to any form of media, such as radio, television, newspapers or Internet-based publications, that is free of influence by government or corporate interests. In Praise of Independent Journalism By Sergio Arellano | October 30, 2017 Each year the McCarthey Family Foundation trustees (whose great-grandfather purchased The Salt Lake Tribune in 1901) host a lecture series honoring the family’s commitment to cultivating a “lasting legacy for an independent … This would include, for example, writing a book or articles, addressing a conference or commercial or news photography. To promote and elevate the standards of journalism, © 2020 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College, Summer 2004: Journalist’s Trade Introduction. Our standard position is that we pay our own way and make our own travel arrangements. Thomson Reuters Code of Conduct reminds journalists that they must not accept any payment, gift, service or benefit (whether in cash or in kind) offered by a news source or contact. The Permission will normally be given only if the story warrants coverage and to insist on paying would be impractical. Neutrality only focuses on fairness and balance while independence has focus on the good of the people (don't have to be neutral); it is fundamental because journalists work primarily for the good of the people. The Fund for Independence in Journalism, "a 509 (a) (3) nonprofit, tax exempt organization, was created in 2003 to foster independent, high quality public service journalism in … What is actually being insinuated by places that declare their journalistic “independence,” then, is editorial independence—the idea that they answer to no one but the truth. We may, of our own volition, check back with a source to verify a quote or to satisfy ourselves about the reliability of factual information but we also need to ensure that in doing so we do not give sources an opportunity to retract or materially alter a quote or information to their advantage. https://www.writersbureau.com/writing/what-is-freelance-journalism.htm You may not engage in paid work outside Reuters unless your manager has given you permission in advance. A good test of whether to accept the gift or politely decline is the value of the item. The important implication is this: The meaning of freedom of speech and freedom of the press is that they belong to everyone. Why is independence, not neutrality, a fundamental principle of journalism? aims at developing a comprehensive set of principles and standards for the practice of journalism in an age of global news media Thank you for taking the time to help us continue to improve our handbook. Media independence is the absence of external control and influence on an institution or individual working in the media.It is a measure of one's capacity to "make decisions and act according to its own logic," and distinguishes independent media from state media. The decisive factor is not whether they have a press pass; rather, it lies in the nature of the work…. The term has varied applications. the state or quality of being independent. The classic book The Elements of Journalism defines independence as “independence from faction” and states that journalists “must maintain an independence from those they cover.” Under this definition, Graham Davis comes nowhere close to qualifying as independent, as he is employed by the Fiji government faction. You must not allow any investments held by you or your immediate family to influence you in your work for Reuters. We praise the courage of the latter and all too often take for granted the freedom of the former. 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