Standards, Practices and Oaths

The New York Times gave a 64% discount to the MoveOn crowd for that General "Betrayus" full-page ad. Instead of $184 grand, it only cost them $65 grand. Such a deal, especially for a 501c.

Society of Professional Journalists

When I researched for, then wrote a manuscript in which the antagonist is faced with the issue of responsibilities and ethics in journalism, I discovered societies, fraternities and clubs who guide and support our Fourth Estate. Many Americans might be surprised to read some of these groups' bylaws and codes. I've pulled a couple of appropriate sections in SPJ's Code of Ethics, more of which can be found at http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp .

Preamble

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues (bolded by Planet). Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Journalists should:

• Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
• Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
• Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
• Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
• Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
• Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
• Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news. Be Accountable--Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

• Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
• Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
• Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

Now if only other news organizations would reread and then adhere to their own stated ethics by confronting their colleagues at the New York Times.Why is its publisher insinuating himself and his paper into the extreme politics of MoveOn.org? And when will you journalists grow some guts and save our country from these nutjobs?

Thanks for the read.