Journalism Ethics
Ethics are the foundation of a free and functioning press. Codes of ethics guide journalists through hard decisions: what to publish, whom to protect, and how to represent communities fairly. No single code governs every journalist, but four principles appear in nearly all of them: truth, independence, fairness, and accountability.
When the pressure to publish fast collides with the duty to verify, knowing and applying these standards matters more than ever.
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
Core principles
Truth and accuracy
Verify facts through multiple independent sources before publishing. Correct errors promptly and prominently. Every other ethical obligation rests on this one.
Independence
Avoid financial, political, or personal ties that could compromise editorial judgment. Decline gifts from sources and stay out of activities that create conflicts of interest.
Fairness and impartiality
Present all relevant perspectives, especially those of the people most affected. Give subjects a chance to respond to allegations before publication.
Minimizing harm
Gathering and reporting news can cause harm. Treat vulnerable sources with compassion, and take extra care with children, crime victims, and people in crisis.
Accountability
Be open about methods, funding, and corrections. Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including in your own organization, and acknowledge your own mistakes.
Transparency
Identify yourself as a journalist when reporting. Disclose relevant affiliations, explain the basis of your reporting, and separate news from opinion and analysis.
Professional codes of ethics
The most widely cited codes in American and international journalism. Every journalist should know several of them.
Journalist associations
- SPJ Code of EthicsThe most widely adopted code in U.S. journalism, last revised in 2014 for digital-era practices.
- RTDNA Code of EthicsBroadcast and digital news, including social media, sourcing, and transparency.
- NPPA Code of EthicsStandards for photojournalists and visual journalists, including image editing.
- IRE Ethics GuidelinesInvestigative reporting: sourcing, undercover work, and document use.
Major news organizations
- AP News Values and PrinciplesAccuracy, integrity, and independence from the world's largest news organization.
- The New York Times Ethical Journalism StandardsConflicts of interest, sourcing, social media, and editorial independence.
- NPR Ethics HandbookAccuracy, fairness, independence, harm, and transparency, with real-world examples.
- BBC Editorial GuidelinesAmong the most thorough broadcast standards, with guidance on impartiality and harm.
- Los Angeles Times Ethics GuidelinesConflicts of interest, fairness, social media conduct, and anonymous sources.
- The Guardian Editorial CodeAccuracy, privacy, corrections, and the line between editorial and advertising.
Ethics centers and academic resources
- Center for Journalism Ethics, UW–MadisonResearch, resources for journalists and educators, and ethical decision-making curriculum.
- Poynter: Ethics and TrustOngoing coverage of ethics controversies, dilemmas, and best practices.
- Media Ethics MagazineCase studies in journalism, public relations, and advertising ethics.
- Nieman Lab: Ethics CoverageMedia ethics with a focus on digital journalism and emerging technology.
- Reuters Institute for the Study of JournalismOxford research on ethics, trust, and standards, including the Digital News Report.
Digital, AI, and emerging issues
International standards
- IFJ Global Charter of Ethics for JournalistsAdopted by member unions in 146 countries.
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)Press freedom, journalist safety, and reporting in hostile environments.
- Committee to Protect Journalists: ReportsResearch on journalist safety, legal threats, and press freedom worldwide.
Journalism training
These organizations offer ethics training, fellowships, and professional development for working journalists.