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THE
GLEANER COMPANY EDITORIAL CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISMS
A great newspaper is distinguished by the balance, fairness and
authority of its reporting and editing. The Gleaner takes seriously
its job as the nation's watchdog, provider of news, conscience
and forum and we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.
While the primary way in which we serve our readers is through
our editorial products, it is no less incumbent that we hold ourselves
to the highest ethical and legal principles. We strive to uphold
these principles as we go about our journalistic endeavour.
Topics covered include:
1. Mission Statement
2. Accuracy/Delivering the Reader Experience
3. Conflicts of Interest
4. Plagiarism
5. Fairness
6. Crime and Court Reporting
7. Sources
8. Racial and Ethnic Identification
9. Discrimination
10. Confidentiality
11. Retention of Notes
12. Press Passes and Gifts
13. Implementation and enforcement
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THE DUTY OF GLEANER NEWSPAPERS
The fate of newspapers lies in the hands of the public. The freedom
enjoyed by journalists to report and to comment is, and should
be seen as a precious gift from the public.
Our duty, therefore, is clear: It is to serve the public with
dedication and character, and to exercise freedoms with passion
and responsibility.
We are committed to maintaining a tradition of excellence for
our newspapers. To do this, we must be aggressive in publishing
the news. The independence of our editors, reporters and photographers
is not for sale. No territory of legitimate public interest is
off limits to fair and competent reporting and comment.
We are a firm believer and supporter in freedom of the press,
freedom of expression. Freedom makes a place for excellence. That
place must be filled with professional discipline, with respect
for the public we serve, and with a keen sense of fairness to
all individuals.
We must always strive to:
"Get it first and get it right."
In other words, let our rule be:
"Get it right, first."
When mistakes occur, we should correct them promptly and forthrightly.
Excellence cannot flourish without criticism. We need criticism
and should seek it.
The first priority of The Gleaner newspapers is to present a
faithful and accurate picture of Jamaican life. This requires
detailed coverage of local events, institutions and people's activities.
Problems are at the core of news, but they are not all of the
news. Even against the tide of modern life, people and institutions
make progress. We should be generous in coverage of achievement;
our pages should reflect the grit, devotion and durability of
the human, and in particular, the Jamaican spirit. While exposure
of wrongdoing is a proper function and on occasion a required
function of newspapers, it is not the main purpose. Corruption
and conflicts of interest, in most communities, have little to
do with the important things that are not working. Most of our
communities' failures are rooted in complex problems. A truly
excellent newspaper will spend most of its investigative skills
on explaining those circumstances in the hope of helping to forge
solutions.
A great newspaper is distinguished by the balance, fairness and
authority of its reporting and editing. Such a newspaper searches
as hard for strengths and accomplishments as for weakness and
failure. The great newspaper will, by honest and intelligent journalism,
inspire people to do better. We will inspire our Nation.
Editor-in-Chief
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WHO IS COVERED BY THIS POLICY?
STAFF MEMBERS
The Ethics Policy applies to all Editorial employees, full and
part time.
FREELANCERS /COLUMNISTS
As independent contractors, freelance contributors should be
encouraged to adhere to the Ethics Policy; however, supervising
Editors will judge freelance work based on the standards in The
Gleaner's policy.
It is the freelancer's responsibility to inform Editors of potential
conflicts, such as a personal or business relationship with the
subject of a story. If the Editor determines a conflict exists,
the freelancer will be taken off an assignment, or the contribution
refused.
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EDITORIAL MISSION STATEMENT
The Gleaner strives to always be the nation's trusted source of
news, information and commentary, with the expressed goal of helping
people understand the many issues that touch their lives.
All our publications will be readable and interesting as we strive
to provide our readers with the news and information they need
to understand their world and improve their lives.
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PUBLICATIONS
Publications of The Gleaner Company Limited included:
The Gleaner
The Children's Own Magazine
The Sunday Gleaner
The Voice
The Weekend Star
South Florida Extra
The Gleaner Archives Online
Young Voices
Outlook Sunday Magazine
The Gleaner's Youthlink
The Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica
Flair Magazine
www.Go-Jamaica.com
Financial Gleaner Track & Pools
The Star
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STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
- The Gleaner Company Limited is a full-fledged communications
company offering a variety of information-gathering and research
capabilities through its family of newspapers, radio stations,
and on-line service, www.Go-Jamaica.com.
- The Gleaner, The Sunday Gleaner, The Star and Weekend Star
are national newspapers dedicated to public objectives.
- We believe in the traditional role of a free and responsible
press serving the people by faithfully reporting the facts without
fear or favour.
- The Gleaner Company Limited is founded on a philosophy of
individual enterprise exerted singly or in groups based on free
and fair competition.
- We are driven by a vision of a country where access to opportunities
is based on merit, equity and fair play.
- We shall fairly reflect the aspirations, triumphs, success,
pain, interests and culture of the Jamaican people.
- We will be generous in our coverage of achievements and our
pages will reflect the grit, devotion and durability of the
human spirit.
- While not affiliated to any political party or section of
the community, we support the policies and actions of any group
we believe to be serving the public interest.
- We believe the essential role of government is to maintain
order and that government ought to create the climate for efficient
and profitable expansion of business.
- Our role is to report and comment on the facts: to be the
voice of reason; to champion the cause of a truly independent
Jamaica; to help citizens in their exercise of freedom of speech
and expression, freedom of worship and association, and freedom
from ignorance.
- We will vigorously support efforts to fight corruption and
defend the principles of transparency and open government.
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1.1 WE ARE COMMITTED TO SEEKING AND REPORTING THE TRUTH
- We will dedicate ourselves to reporting news accurately, thoroughly
and without bias or malice.
- We will be honest in the way we gather, report and present
news.
- We will hold factual information in editorials to the same
standards of accuracy as news stories.
- We will keep our content relevant and balanced, providing
to our readers a broad spectrum of information and views.
1.2 WE ARE COMMITTED TO SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST
- We will do our best to uphold the Constitution.
- We support parliamentary democracy, including a multi-party
system in which there are regular elections freely and fairly
conducted.
- We will be vigilant watchdogs of government and other institutions
that affect the public.
- We will support private business initiatives.
- We will provide the news and information that people need
to function as effective citizens.
- We will lay the foundation for dialogue between the people
and their government.
- We will seek solutions as well as expose problems.
- We will provide a forum for diverse views.
- We will reflect and encourage understanding of the diverse
segments of our society.
- We will provide editorial and community leadership.
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1.3 WE ARE COMMITTED TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- We will support and encourage and support multitasking.
- We will provide appropriate training.
1.4 WE ARE COMMITTED TO FAIR PLAY
- We will strive to include all sides relevant to a story and
not exhibit bias in our news coverage.
- We will treat people with dignity, respect and compassion.
- We will respect the privacy of individuals and recognise that
any intrusion has to be justified in the public interest.
- We will correct errors brought to our attention promptly.
- We will use unnamed sources as the sole basis for published
information as a last resort; this must be discussed with supervising
editor or Editor-in-Chief.
- We will always strive to be accessible to our readers.
1.5 WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE
- We will maintain an arm's length relationship with anyone
seeking to manipulate our news coverage.
- We will avoid potential conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
1.6 WE ARE COMMITTED TO ACTING WITH INTEGRITY
- We will act honourably and ethically in dealing with news
sources, the public and our colleagues.
- Bribes are unacceptable.
- We will not publish material that encourages discrimination,
ridicule, prejudice or hatred.
- We will strive to uphold the law at all times.
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IDENTIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GLEANER
COMPANY
Members of The Gleaner are required to wear their identification
badges at all time that they are on the Gleaner premises or on
assignments.
All visitors, including friends of staff, must wear Customer
ID badges whilst on the Company's premises.
Visitors are not permitted without prior permission into the
Editorial office and should be met in the lobby downstairs or,
in the 4th floor lobby.
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ACCURACY
"The first priority of Gleaner newspapers is to present
a faithful and accurate picture of the life of communities…"
CORRECTIONS
We will protect our credibility with a vigorous commitment to
accuracy. We will remedy, in a timely manner, all errors of fact
with a timely correction or clarification. If a staff member becomes
aware of an error in their own or others' published work, the
staff member has a responsibility to notify an Editor or the Editor-in-Chief
as soon as possible.
PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS
The editors of publications should field complaints from members
of the public. These complaints should be examined and referred
to the Editor-in-Chief with recommendations from the respective
editors within one week. Where necessary Editor will refer complaints
to the Legal Advisor.
We will regularly publish notices to inform readers how to communicate
complaints.
It will be the duty or supervising editor's responsibility to
obtain a statement from the reporter to see whether the story
published was accurate or not.
If a correction to the story is required, the Editor-in-Chief,
the Legal Advisor or their nominees will contact the offended
party to discuss the matter, and wherever possible, make a correction
as quickly as possible. The correction should appear, whenever
possible, appear in the same publication or section as the offending
article or column.
CORRECTION & CLARIFICATION
The Editor-in-Chief will be responsible for ensuring that the
correction is affixed to the original story in
(i) the bound library newspaper file
(ii) in the editorial computer database
(iii) online and radio
(iv) anywhere else that is required
The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for ensuring that the same
story containing the incorrect information is:
- Withdrawn from any other Gleaner publication not yet printed,
in particular, the three overseas newspapers, Children's Own,
Youthlink,etc.
- If a correction cannot be agreed with the offended party,
then the matter must be brought to the attention of our Legal
Advisor.
- It is the Editor-in-Chief's responsibility to ensure that
the evidence held by us, including reporter's handbooks and
tapes, are retained and safeguarded in case a court action arises.
In every such event, a written note will be prepared by the Editor-in-Chief
giving the relevant information about the incident. Such briefs
will be copied to the Legal Advisor.
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PLAGIARISM AND QUOTES
We do not use extended quotes from other sources without giving
credit.
These quotes should reflect exactly what a source said with credit.
If the source's grammar or language is unsuitable, paraphrase.
When we paraphrase, we remain faithful to the original statement.
Quotes should fairly reflect the context of the conversation.
DIVERSITY
We will accurately and fairly reflect the diversity of gender,
colour, ethnicity, class, generation, geography and other attributes
that distinguish our communities.
This standard requires our staff to go beyond the usual contacts
when seeking sources. The ideal is to have the Jamaica's diverse
groups represented in whom we cite, regardless of the theme or
topic being covered. The principle holds true for business, religion,
education, consumer and political stories.
WRITING TECHNIQUES
In rare instances, a reporter may use imaginary characters or
situations, but their fictitious nature must be immediately clear
to the reader. This must also be first agreed with the duty editor
or Editor-in-Chief. Other fiction writing techniques to avoid:
- The telescoping of time so that, for example, events that
actually happened during several days are reported as happening
in a single day.
- Vivid descriptions of scenes that the writer could not have
seen, unless supported by in-depth reporting.
- Passages conveying that the reporter knew what an individual
was thinking or feeling without having been told.
On occasion, a fictional name may be used for a real person when
there is good reason to believe that public identification would
cause severe embarrassment or harm to that person. Readers should
be informed of the fictional name.
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GUIDELINES TO DELIVER "THE READER
EXPERIENCE"
Apply these questions to each news story:
1. How is this story different from what's on the electronic
media today?
2. What is in this story that the reader will not find in other
media?
3. Does this story contain useful information, news the reader
can use?
4. Is this story one the reader will talk about tomorrow?
5. Is there any "go do" information in this story?
6. Is there something in this story that looks out for the reader's
personal and civic interests?
7. Are there unanswered questions in this story?
8. Are there grammar/spelling errors in this story?
9. Do you have a suggested headline?
10. Do I have information to provide graphics?
11. What are the possible photos to tie with this story?
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INTERNET ACTIVITIES
Use of Internet sources
- Verify all facts reported from an online site unless you are
confident of its source. For instance, the official JIS site
can be regarded as a reliable source for government news; a
personal website may not be.
- If using a source via Internet or e-mail, verify the source
by phone or in person. Make certain a communication is genuine
before using it.
- Generally, credit photos and graphics downloaded from the
Internet. Usually, generic mug shots and icons do not need credits.
Researching on the Internet
- Internet-derived information should be attributed, just as
we would information from any book, magazine or other publication.
Our prohibition against plagiarism applies to this information.
Linking to Web sites from a story
- Always review Web sites listed in stories. If you have concerns
about including a site in a story because of inappropriate content,
check with an Editor.
Internet Communication
- Use the same standards of representation as you would using
the telephone or in person. Using deceptive methods to gain
information, including the failure to reveal one's identity
as a journalist while using a computer or the use of false identification
to obtain access to computer systems, is corrosive to truth
telling. Interviews via email should be labeled as such in stories
(i.e. "… he said during an e-mail interview.")
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VISUAL ACCURACY
Documentary photo
This is a candid or unposed photo that records news, features
or sports. The spirit of the documentary photo is to be honest
and above board with readers. Any appearance or suspicion of manipulation
of documentary photos strikes against our core values. Submitted
photos should meet these same standards.
For questions about photo authenticity, check with an Editor.
Posing or re-enacting a documentary photograph is unacceptable.
Altering a documentary photo is also unacceptable.
Portrait photo
This photo is usually posed and it should be obvious to the reader
if it is. Portrait photos must not be altered.
Icon photos
This category is much like the photo illustration -- almost anything
goes. It includes simple photos that illustrate or label stories.
Examples include photos of planes, ships, money, hockey sticks,
hands, buildings, etc. Cutout photos would be included in this.
It is not necessary to credit these photos.
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USE OF FILE PHOTOGRAPHS
The use of file, or for that matter, any photo used out of context,
can be libelous.
The use of file photos must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief,
Duty Editor or In-house Attorney. Credits must be labeled as file.
Caption text should
be presented for approval at the same time as photo. The juxtaposition
of photographs and text on a page, particularly when not properly
ruled off, can be libelous.
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TO USE OR NOT TO USE
When in doubt, use common sense or check with an editor. Shooting
the photo usually is not the problem. Publishing the photo may
be. Using sound judgment, the photographer should almost always
shoot the picture. The editing process will determine whether
the photo will be used. Some photos should be approved by the
Editor.
Some red flags:
- death
- nudity or sexual content
- exaggerated grief
- blood or other body fluids
- photo is too good to be true (it may be set up)
- vulgar words or gestures (these may be hidden in a photo)
- cheap shot (zipper open, food on the face)
- unflattering expression not related to the event or situation
- people performing dangerous acts
- violence
- racial stereotypes
- photos that may otherwise shock or appall readers
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GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Is the photo appropriate to the story?
- Is the news value worth upsetting the reader?
- What are the paper's general standards of taste?
- Do you need to pass the photo through the top Editor?
- Does it pass the "breakfast table" test?
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
"The independence of our Editors, reporters
and photographers is not for sale…."
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PUBLIC LIFE
Staff members are encouraged to participate in professional,
civic and cultural activities. To ensure that our credibility
is not damaged, staff members have a special responsibility to
avoid conflicts of interest or any activity that would compromise
their journalistic integrity.
Politics and social causes:
- Newsroom employees should not work for a political candidate
or office-holder on a paid or voluntary basis. Participation
in public demonstrations for political causes is forbidden.
- Taking a public stand on controversial social, religious or
political issues should first be discussed with the Editor-in-Chief.
This includes signing of petitions, either on paper or on-line.
- Holding public office or accepting political appointment is
prohibited, unless specifically approved by the Editor or publisher.
- If a staff member has a close relative or friend working in
a political campaign or organisation, the staffer should refrain
from covering or making news judgments about that campaign or
organisation. A loved one's activities can create a real or
potential conflict for a staff member. In those cases, inform
a supervisor and take steps to avoid conflicts.
- Donations to or memberships in organisations with political
agendas should be carefully considered, and the Editor should
be aware of this Staff members should use common sense when
displaying bumper stickers, pins, badges and other signs.
Civic activities:
- Membership in a social or civic organisation normally does
not result in a conflict; however, staff members should not
cover or make news decisions about groups they belong to. Such
activities should be disclosed to a supervisor.
- Membership on boards of charitable or cultural organisations
that are covered by our newspaper - must be approved by the
Editor.
- It is inappropriate for staff members to appear publicly on
behalf of a civic group or themselves. An exception can be made
when an organisation's policy or action directly affects the
employee. In this case, talk with your supervisor.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Could your action, comments, donation or display cause people
to reasonably doubt your objectivity or that of the newspaper?
- If an organisation identifies you as a supporter, volunteer
or staff member - and also notes that you work for The Gleaner
- would it appear as if the group has a connection with the
newspaper?
- Could it be construed that the newspaper and its staff are
giving special treatment to the group?
- Does your public role intersect with your work? If so, does
your supervisor know about the potential conflict?
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PERSONAL LIFE
Business conflicts:
· Investments, loans or other outside business activities
that could conflict with the newspaper's ability to report news
must be avoided.
· Use of inside knowledge for personal gain is prohibited.
Staff members should not enter into a business relationship with
news sources.
Gifts, favours, events:
Employees must never become obligated to news sources, advertisers,
suppliers or any person or organisation by receiving gifts or
favours. Situations will arise that call for judgment. If you
have any doubt, check with your supervisor or the Editor-in-Chief.
· Gifts and other items delivered to staff members must
be recorded in a register kept by the department's administrator.
Those valuing $3,000 or more will be returned, or donated to charity.
Review copies of books, movies, computer software and music may
be kept by the reviewer. When in doubt, discuss with your supervisor.
· Press passes are limited to those assigned to cover
an event and other staff members with a clear journalistic purpose
for attending. Supervisors will determine appropriate staffing.
Extra passes should not be given to friends or family.
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INVITATIONS
Invitations are sent to a large number of people in the Editorial
Department by outside parties in the hope that members of the
Editorial staff will cover events. All employees receiving invitations
for any event must take these to their supervisor and request
direction as to whether they are expected to file a story on the
event.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Do you have a clear journalistic purpose in using a press
pass for an event? If you had to buy a ticket and obtain reimbursement,
could you justify it as a company expense?
- · If a source offers lunch or a cup of coffee, can
you arrange to split the bill, or treat next time?
- In declining a gift, did you explain our policy to the gift-giver?
Special privileges:
- Company identification cards are not to be used for personal
purposes, to gain admission to an event, to solicit favors or
to avoid enforcement of a law.
- Employees also must not use their position on the newspaper
staff in private business matters. Staff members should neither
verbally invoke a position with the newspaper nor use company
stationery or e-mail for such purposes.
- Newsroom employees should not use their Gleaner news sources
to obtain tickets to entertainment events or other personal
favours.
Family considerations:
We recognise that spouses and immediate family members have lives
of their own to lead. However, when loved ones' activities might
become newsworthy, employees are encouraged to make them aware
of policies requiring us to avoid a conflict of interest or the
appearance of one. Employees must inform their supervisors of
personal relationships that may conflict with their job responsibilities.
Supervising Editors should not contract with a relative or close
friend to work directly for them as a freelancer without approval
of the Editor.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Could a family member or the newspaper publicly disclose the
situation without fear of embarrassment or legitimate criticism?
- Could it damage the newspaper's credibility?
- Our goal is to write about the community, not ourselves. Staffers
should avoid quoting, featuring or photographing their own family
members and those of other Gleaner employees. The use of family
members or relatives in photo illustrations is discouraged when
the person is identifiable in the photo.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Is this person an essential part of the story?
- Could the picture or quote just as logically come from another
source?
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ON THE JOB
Campaign, government and political coverage:
- The Gleaner pays for travel, meals, lodging and other expenses
for newsroom employees covering political campaigns, candidates
and public officials.
Freelance, outside work:
We work for no one except The Gleaner Company Limited, without
the express permission of the Editor.
- Freelance work for print or electronic media not in direct
competition with The Gleaner may be permissible, as long as
it does not constitute a conflict of interest or otherwise interfere
with the performance of a staff member's job. Permission can
more easily be granted when an article, photo or piece or artwork
has been published or offered for publication first in our newspaper
or on our Web site. Prior permission is required.
- Company resources, such as computers and cameras, should not
be used in the pursuit of outside work.
Electronic appearances and "blogs":
- With the exception of www.Go-Jamaica.com, staff members should
clear any request with the Editor for participation in a radio,
Internet or television programme or news broadcast. While on
the air, staff members should demonstrate a high standard of
impartiality, just as in our news pages. Opinions and speculation
should be avoided. Generally, a staff member should not say
anything on radio, TV or the Internet that could not appear
under his or her byline in The Gleaner.
- The same principles of professionalism apply to blogs.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Could your TV, Internet or other activities cause readers
to reasonably doubt the newspaper's objectivity?
- If your blogging identity became known, could it embarrass
you or the newspaper?
Cooperation with authorities:
- Journalists are not required to turn over to any authorities
their notes or film unless directed to do so by a court. If
the staff member receives such a request, contact your Editor
immediately.
- Staff members should avoid being confrontational or hostile
in resisting an authority's demand for materials. If you are
arrested solely because of your refusal to turn over material,
the newspaper will be supportive and provide legal representation.
- During coverage of a news event, reporters and photographers
often discuss basic information with law enforcement personnel,
but journalists should not actively cooperate.
- It is our practice not to provide photographs, information
or copies of published articles to attorneys in civil or criminal
matters. Refer such requests to the public library, Gleaner
Online archives or the Photography Department's reprint service.
- Staff members are forbidden from working for the Jamaica Constabulary
Force or any other governmental intelligence or law enforcement
agency. If you are approached, inform your supervisor.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
We have a three-part test to determine whether we should turn
over source material to a court.
- Can the material be obtained elsewhere? Is this the last resort?
- Is there a compelling public interest?
- Is the request relevant to the issue at hand?
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FAIRNESS
"A great newspaper is distinguished by the balance,
fairness and authority of its reporting and editing…"
FAIR PLAY
In our commitment to fair play, we:
- Treat all sources the same, whether friendly or hostile. We
evaluate all sources based on the newsworthiness of their information.
- Report all sides of a story. We are upfront with readers about
what we don't know and about evidence that contradicts the main
finding of a news story.
- Give people accused of wrongdoing a full and immediate opportunity
to respond to all charges. We also report the final outcome
of such allegations - for example, the verdict after an arrest.
- Do not make promises to sources about where, whether or when
we will publish a story or photo.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- What if the person accused of wrongdoing in a story were your
mother? Would you feel the story was fair?
- What if a learned journal wanted to interview you about the
methods you used to get a story or photo? Would you be comfortable
defending your conduct?
POTENTIALLY DEFAMATORY OR CONTROVERSIAL MATTERS
Discuss with a supervisor or a Company Attorney any story, which
may include potentially defamatory or controversial matters and
those critical of persons and institutions in order to determine
whether the story may be published.
Articles must be placed in the "lawyer to vet folder"
of Scoop Edit and the Company Attorney must be notified that the
article has been placed in the folder for review.
The article must not be published unless and until approved by
the Company Attorney.
DISCRIMINATION
1. Prejudicial or pejorative reference to a person's race, colour,
religion or gender must be avoided.
2. The publication of the details of a person's race, colour,
religion or sexual orientation must be avoided unless critical
to the story and in the public interest. We will particularly
seek to avoid the publication of stories that may expose the subject
to ridicule, hatred, public contempt or violence arising from
that person's race, colour, religion or sexual orientation.
SAFETY
If a member of The Gleaner Company's reporting staff is threatened
in the course of carrying out his or her job, the matter should
be reported immediately to his or her supervisor and Editor-in-Chief.
Staffers should take all possible precautions whilst on assignment.
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CONTRIBUTED MATERIAL
Material such as tapes, books and CD's which are supplied to
the Gleaner for review are stored by our Information Systems Department
where they will form part of the pool of reference material.
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CRIME REPORTING
- We identify criminal suspects only after arrest warrants have
been issued, they have been arrested or they have been formally
charged. When we write about people accused of wrongdoing, we
must provide them an opportunity to respond. That effort should
include seeking comments from defense attorneys, family members
and friends. The journalist's efforts must be included in article
submitted for publication.
- As a rule, we do not name juvenile suspects. We do identify
suspects 17 years of age or older who are charged with committing
crimes serious enough to warrant their prosecution as adults.
- We use sparingly such phrases as "unavailable for comment''
or "could not be reached.'' We do so only after we have
worked hard to reach suspects, their attorneys and others with
a stake in the story. Keep written records of such efforts,
and mention in story.
- Using "allegedly'' does not protect us from libel. Instead,
cite multiple official sources, court records and testimony
to make stories credible.
- Generally we try to name everyone involved in a crime serious
enough to warrant a story. Names of victims or witnesses and
their addresses may be withheld if there's a legitimate concern
for their safety. We do not name victims of sexual crimes unless
they request it. Decisions to publish or withhold a name should
be approved by an Editor.
- When we identify suspects, we will make every effort to use
differentiating details, such as full name, middle initial,
age, street and occupation. Providing these details helps ensure
accuracy and prevents innocent people with the same name from
being implicated.
- Reporting bomb threats and similar hoaxes may lead to "copycat"
threats. We generally avoid reporting these, except when many
lives are disrupted for extended periods or when the threat
attracts considerable community attention.
- When a public safety incident involves a public figure, we
should apply our usual standards for determining whether a story
is warranted. Ask this question: Does the incident conflict
with the person's public role? For example, we would write about
a politician with a long record of opposing drugs who is arrested
for cocaine use.
- When a public safety incident involves someone closely connected
to a public figure, we should apply our usual standards for
determining whether a story is warranted. Ask this question:
Is the public figure involved in the incident? When in doubt,
do not implicate the public figure. For example, a school principal's
name probably would not be included in a story about a spouse's
drug arrest.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Have we given accused persons a chance to make their case?
Have we made serious efforts to reach a defense attorney? Have
we also sought comments and reaction from relatives, co-workers
and friends?
- Are we withholding the name of suspect, victim or witness
because of age, safety concerns, the nature of the crime or
other privacy concerns? Has an Editor approved withholding the
name?
- Are the allegations provably true? Are we attributing allegations
to records or testimony, and have we accurately represented
the material?
- Are we writing about an incident only because the suspect
is a public figure or connected to a public figure? Does this
incident say something about the public figure that the community
should know?
Reporting court matters
1. We must make every effort not to break the sub judice rule.
We must ensure that nay comment on cases before the court is fair
and balanced.
2. The identification of relatives or friends or associates of
persons convicted or accused of crime must be avoided unless it
is directly relevant to the case.
3. Particular regard should be paid to the potentially vulnerable
position of children who are witnesses to, or victims of, crime.
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SOURCES
First and foremost: Treat every source fairly and with respect.
Always identify yourself as a journalist so sources know their
comments could be published. Any exception must be approved by
the Editor.
Types of sources:
On the record: The source's identity and information can
be used.
Not for attribution: A source provides information that
can be used in a story but the source cannot be identified. The
source and reporter must agree on this before the information
is shared.
Off the record: This information cannot be published and
the source's identity cannot be disclosed. Reporters can use the
information to develop other sources for the story without revealing
the off-the-record source.
The Gleaner Company's journalists have a moral obligation to
protect their sources.
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ANONYMOUS SOURCES
Restricting the use of anonymous sources is essential for protecting
our integrity and credibility. However, delaying or withholding
stories because of an anonymous source issue may deny the public
the information it needs and deserves, which poses another threat
to our integrity and credibility.
Despite the Access to Information legislation, Government agencies
and private institutions remain secretive and inclined to refuse
access to information. That places a greater burden on news organisations
to find alternative - and sometimes anonymous - sources of information.
While anonymous sourcing has become a standard journalistic technique,
we at The Gleaner strive to limit its use. Every effort should
be made to get the information on the record. Pledges of confidentiality
by reporters should be
given only as a last resort. Any promise of confidentiality is
an agreement between the source and the newspaper, not an individual
staff member.
The use of an anonymous source must be approved by your supervisor
and the Editor-in-Chief must be informed especially in potentially
highly controversial cases. The source's identity must be disclosed
to the supervisor and at least one senior Editor to ensure the
source is reliable and knowledgeable. Reporters cannot promise
that they will not share the source's identity with their Editor-in-Chief.
Anyone in the company who learns the identity of an anonymous
source is bound by the terms of the confidentiality extended to
the source. If a reporter cannot disclose the source's identity
to Editors as required, the information will not be published.
Any exception must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief or his nominee.
In news stories, we will make every effort to prevent an unnamed
source from attacking a person or institution. Exceptions will
be and must be approved by a duty editor or the Editor-in-Chief
on the basis of carefully considered reasons. Opinions of unnamed
sources may be used to help a reporter shape a more complete picture
of a person or institution, but should not be a guiding force
or portrayed as such, except with approval of the Editor-in-Chief.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Is on-the-record sourcing available for this information?
- Have you made several attempts to persuade the source to go
on the record?
- Is the information crucial to public understanding of an important
matter?
- Does the source have a legitimate reason for wanting to be
shielded? Will identification put the source in physical danger
or jeopardise his/her career or result in some other serious
form of retribution?
- Have you skeptically analysed the source's motives?
When we decide that sources' identities will be shielded, we
must tell the readers as much as possible about the unnamed sources,
short of revealing their identities, including the reason for
anonymity. We will avoid attributions like "key officials
said" and "informed sources said." Instead attempt
to give readers a better idea of who the individuals are and why
their information might be significant enough for us to hide their
identities. For example, use attributions like "a lawyer
involved in the case," "a government official involved
in the matter," "a KSAC member," "a JPS executive"
or "a legislator and supporter of the bill."
Reporters should work out with their sources how they will be
identified, subject to approval by their supervising Editor. Negotiate
this. They typically will want as little identifying information
as possible. Push back. Explain that the legitimacy of their information
in the readers' minds depends on as much disclosure as possible.
We must be honest with our readers. They expect it of us and
it's our contract with them. Our legitimacy and reputation depend
on it.
We will not use a plural such as "sources," "officials,"
"experts" or "aides" when there is only one
source. An anonymous source should never be another reporter in
the Gleaner newsroom. Citing a reporter from another news organisation
anonymously must be approved by the Editor.
We will avoid citing a source anonymously who is quoted by name
elsewhere in the story. We also will avoid saying a source had
"no
comment" or couldn't be reached for comment when that person
is quoted anonymously in the story.
If you cannot be honest, leave the information out.
When you agree to shield sources, make sure they clearly understand
the ground rules.
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GUIDING QUESTIONS
- If the source is lying will you keep the promise of anonymity?
- Will you go to jail for the source?
- Will the source come forward if you or the newspaper is subpoenaed?
- What if the source later discloses the information publicly?
If you make a promise to shield a source, you must keep it.
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Shielding identities
We discourage shielding the identities of people who appear in
our stories. There are a few exceptions. We do not reveal the
identities of sexual assault or child abuse victims without their
permission.
Withholding identity in other situations - out of compassion,
for instance - generally requires the approval of an Editor.
We are mindful that our newspapers may provide the only permanent,
public record of a juvenile's involvement in the criminal justice
system or the foster
care system. We may consider concealing the identity of a child
or adolescent whose involvement in these systems is the subject
of a story.
In the rare instances when we publish a source's first name only,
we will explain to readers why a full name does not appear. We
do not publish fictional names for real people as a means of shielding
identity.
Reporters should know the names of all individuals whose identities
are being protected and how to reach them. And those identities
must be shared with their Editor.
The use of fictitious quotations and phantom sources is prohibited.
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Blog and Web sources
Anonymous comments from Web logs and other Internet sites should
not be used. The same standards apply to these sources as to other
sources. If blogged comments are used, the sources should be identified
by their full name. Every effort should be made to verify the
identification of the source to ensure accuracy.
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LIBEL
It is the duty of all Editorial employees to familiarize themselves
with the law of libel and defamation. Staff members should check
with Legal Advisor for copies of existing legislation. Each employee
must attend at least two in-house libel workshops annually. The
onus is on the staff member to ensure that he/she has the necessary
knowledge.
Whenever there is any doubt as to whether a story might be libelous,
it is essential that this story be read by the Company's Legal
Advisor or referred to our external lawyer by the Editor.
a) PROTECTION TO REPORT WHAT TAKES PLACE
IN NON- JAMAICAN COURTS
Court Reports out of Non-Commonwealth or non-Jamaican courts
are not protected by privilege. To be specific, The Gleaner could
become liable for libel for reporting proceedings of U.S. Courts
even if that court is/was open to the public.
Reports of court proceedings which are held en camera (secret)
- e.g. Grand Jury investigations - are not protected.
Reports on Court cases must not be based exclusively on attorney's
views/comments but on comments from the Clerk of the Courts, Judges,
or official documents.
Reports written by reporters, who were not personally in Court,
should normally be regarded as questionable and not be published
without approval of the Editor.
The wire editor, a news editor or duty editor is responsible
for reviewing all non- commonwealth court stores for libel and
should consult with the attorney when in doubt.
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b) REPORTING ON ARRESTS
It is the duty of editors to ensure that reports on police arrest
or actions rely on official releases such as those issued by the
Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) and should not be based
on allegations by complainants.
It is the duty of the News Editor to ensure that the future
dates are recorded and that the case is covered.
c) REPORTS ON PERSONS BEING INVESTIGATED
No story will be run in any Gleaner publication which alleges
that a named individual is being investigated (in contrast to
being charged) for any offence which might be libelous.
The situation is different if an individual has been charged
with an offence or there has been a public statement by an official
figure
concerning the investigation (e.g. Constabulary Communication
Network).
A conversation between a reporter and a police official is not
a public statement, unless the police officer is speaking in his
capacity as an officer of the law and the information is given
to the reporter in his capacity as a journalist.
In all such cases the identity of the person making the statement
must be published.
A story reporting on an investigation (no charge having been
made) must be handled with great care to avoid libel. If it is
likely to be highly controversial, this should be approved in
advance by the Editor-in-Chief or his nominee.
In any such story, if it is run following a public statement,
every attempt must be made by a reporter and supervisor to contact
the person being investigated to obtain his/her side of the story.
In every case involving an investigation, the Legal Advisor must
see the story and approve it.
The story should only contain the facts set out in public statements
or reliable sources and should not contain rumours, innuendoes,
speculation or unconfirmable (in court) background material. Editors
must insist that this guideline is followed.
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d) RECORDING OF CONVERSATIONS/INTERVIEWS
Reporters should try as often as possible to tape all conversations
when conducting interviews, and/or ensure that accurate notes
are kept and that these form part of their retained records. Notes
should be kept for at least two years. There should be regular
checks by the Editor-in-Chief or nominee to ensure compliance.
Those reporters who tape conversations must advise the other
party that they are being taped unless the taping is visually
obvious. The editors are responsible for confirming that such
recordings exist and confirm what is published.
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e) RETENTION OF NOTES AND TAPES
An offended party has up to six years to initiate a legal action
against the Gleaner for libel. This means that The Gleaner in
2007 could have knowledge for the first time for a story run in
2001.
Editors are, therefore, required to ensure that notebooks and
supporting documentation are available for up to six years after
a news story has been carried.
All reporters under the terms of their employment agree that
they will make themselves available to The Gleaner Company even
after they have left the employment of the Company to defend any
legal action that may arise as a result of their reporting.
The Editorial Department will be responsible for finding a mechanism
to store reporters' notebooks and tapes in safe custody once they
have completed a notebook or tape. Currently they are stored in
the Information Systems Department. The Editor-in-Chief must check
on a regular basis to ensure this rule is being followed.
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PAGE FLOW AND DEADLINES
Newspapers which are not available for sale at the right time
will never get sold. Newspapers should be regarded as highly perishable.
Today's newspaper can rarely be sold tomorrow.
To achieve our deadline there should be a regular flow of completed
pages passing throughout the day from Editorial to Prepress and
on to the Print Department. The Editorial Department strives to
meet all deadlines.
CORRESPONDENTS
Particular care should be taken in publishing material received
from correspondents.
The Duty Editor is responsible for ensuring that all facts contained
in such stories are capable of verification. It is to be anticipated
that some correspondent's stories will require the Duty Editor
to contact the correspondent and discuss the article with them.
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Wire policy
Wire stories that use anonymous sources will be viewed with a
critical eye. However, we recognise that many important news stories
depend on such sources. We may choose to run such stories from
news providers that are known to have strong anonymous-source
policies to prevent error and abuse - such as Reuters, The Associated
Press. Anonymously sourced stories from other news providers will
be reviewed more rigorously, but we may choose to run them, as
well, depending on the provider's reputation and track record
with The Gleaner, and the importance of the story. If a wire story
uses anonymous sources and we deem that material non-essential,
we may cut it and run the rest of the story.
Pre-publication review
We encourage reporters to call sources to verify quotes or information.
For accuracy's sake, you may read back passages of a story. However,
we do not allow sources to approve stories for publication. Stories
must not be sent to outsiders for editing or vetting.
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RACIAL AND ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION
We identify someone's race, ethnicity or sexual preferences only
when it is important to understanding the story.
Identify race evenly. Stories that deal with racial conflict
or identify people by race because that's the topic should identify
all the characters in the story by race. This rule also applies
to columns and gossip columns.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Is race or ethnic identity relevant? Can I explain the relevance
in the story?
- How will this information help readers understand this story?
- Am I stereotyping a race or ethnic group, or just catering
to some readers' idle curiosity?
- Is the physical description specific enough to help a reader
identify a suspect?
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IMPLEMENTATION & ENFORCEMENT
"We need criticism and should seek it. Lacking trust,
a newspaper cannot serve or advance any worthy purpose…"
TRAINING
New employees: Every new Editorial employee will receive
a copy of this policy when completing new-employee paperwork.
Supervisors will review the policy with new employees to make
sure that the policies are fully understood.
Current employees: It is important for every newsroom
employee to know the Ethics Policy and use it when making decisions.
Supervisors will review the policy with team members as part of
the annual process. Each newsroom employee will annually attest
in writing they have read the ethics policy in the preceding 12
months.
ENFORCEMENT
- If you believe you may have inadvertently violated any of
these guidelines, or a family member's activities may have created
a conflict or the appearance of conflict for you, notify your
supervisor as quickly as possible.
- Intentional or flagrant violations of the ethics policy may
result in disciplinary action: reprimand, suspension or, in
the most serious cases, termination.
- We understand the reluctance to judge others' ethical behaviour.
But we also recognise that we have a responsibility to our readers
and to the credibility of the newspaper that outweighs personal
loyalties and friendship. For that reason, any staff member
who becomes aware of possible ethical violations by others is
encouraged to bring it to the attention of the Editor.
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ENGAGING THE PUBLIC
- We will publish our Code of Ethics on our Intranet and Go-Jamaica.
- We will use our Editorial pages to refer readers to the Ethics
Policy on the Web site.
- The Editor will introduce to readers the Gleaner's adoption
of an updated Code of Ethics and professionalism. The Editor-in-Chief
also may write subsequent columns that revisit the code and
give examples of how it was used.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
Confidential information includes: technical information about
editorial and company policies; cost, marketing strategies; non-public
financial reports. In addition, the way we put publicly known
information together, to achieve a particular result, is often
a valuable trade secret.
Intellectual Property (IP) includes: patents, copyrights, trademarks
and trade secrets. IP owners have rights granted to them under
the law. Confidential information, including that which relates
to IP, is a valuable asset that could benefit a competitor if
known to it or otherwise harm the Company if made public. We must
be careful not to disclose such information to unauthorized persons,
either within or outside the Gleaner, and must exercise care to
protect the confidentiality of such information received from
another party.
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Therefore, we must:
1. Be careful about where we discuss editorial matters involving
confidential information;
2. Not disclose or use any confidential information for personal
profit or advantage;
3. Not sign a secrecy agreement with persons outside the company;
4. Not execute confidentiality agreements with persons outside
the Company before discussing the Editorial's and the Gleaner's
confidential information;
5. While being alert to information in the marketplace, obtain
competitive information only in accordance with sound business
and ethical principles;
6. When approached with any offer of confidential information,
ensure that both parties understand and accept the condition under
which the information is received; and
7. Discuss with a supervisor or a Legal Advisor any unsolicited
offer of confidential information in order to determine whether
the information should be accepted or declined. This is particularly
important if you have reason to believe it may have been obtained
improperly.
We must always protect The Gleaner's confidential information
and IP rights and we must also respect the same rights of others.
Report any unauthorized use of The Gleaner's IP. The Gleaner trademark
and trade name are among newspaper's most valuable assets.
The Gleaner's policy is to license one software package per employee-user,
except when the license provides otherwise or permits a network
version of the software to be used. We must not copy software,
protected by copyright law and/or license agreements.
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8. E-MAIL AND INTERNET USAGE
E-mail and Internet systems are provided primarily for business
use. E-mail is not entirely secure and may be susceptible to interception
and creates a permanent record. Any e-mail you send may be printed
by the recipient and forwarded by the recipient to others, and
is
probably retained on company computers for a substantial period
of time. Therefore, the Editorial Staff should exercise the same
care, caution and etiquette in sending an e-mail message as they
would in normal written business communications.
In relation to your Company Internet connection, do not download
any data that is unprofessional or inappropriate for business
use. In addition, all employee e-mail and Internet usage may be
the subject of monitoring without notice.
A Gleaner-furnished computer and e-mail system should not be
used to originate or forward non-business matters such as chain
letters. The Gleaner's e-mail system is provided to Gleaner employees
for the conduct of the Gleaner's business only.
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9. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE
All Editorial employees are expected to comply with the Editorial
Code of Ethics and actively support its values and principles.
Any employee who fails to comply with the Code, or who withholds
information during the course of an investigation regarding a
possible violation of it is subject to disciplinary action up
to and including dismissal. Any consultant or supplier who fails
to comply with the Code may see their contract terminated or not
renewed. Depending upon the nature of the noncompliance, the Gleaner
may have the legal obligation to report the non-compliance to
the appropriate authorities.
Breaches of the Code of Ethics must be reported immediately
to one of the following:
1. the Editor-in-Chief
2. Legal Advisor; or
3. the Personnel Manager
All information will, to the extent possible, be received in
confidence. No retaliatory action will be taken against anyone
for making in good faith a report of a violation. However, anyone
who takes part in a prohibited activity may be disciplined even
if they report it. An employee's decision to report will, in all
cases, be given due consideration in the event any disciplinary
action is necessary.
Compliance with this Code of Ethics will be measured by audits
by the Company's Internal Audit Department.
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