Journalists value their independence.
Anything that compromises our independence hurts the credibility of the product. And credibility is the lifeblood of journalism.
Though I have interests and personal opinions, I must do my best to keep those out of my work as a journalist. So if I join a group, I cannot give those members special treatment.
I cannot be a hyphenated journalist. My only obligation is to readers of the Times-Union, defined in the broadest way possible. Readers should be able to trust Times-Union news coverage on its merits alone and not suspect hidden alliances influencing news coverage.
Mistakes are made, of course, but those should be honest mistakes, not the result of favors or outside pressure.
The Times-Union takes pains to make sure that conflicts of interest are avoided. Here are some examples from the newspaper’s Ethics Code:
* Times-Union staffers do not accept free tickets or passes other than working press credentials.
* News staffers may not handle public relations for organizations, no matter how worthy the cause.
* Gifts of more than token value should not be accepted. Gifts that aren’t returned are placed in the newspaper’s internal auction. Last year, the auction produced about $8,000. Proceeds go to charity.
* Staff members should not use their newspaper positions to obtain discounts such as travel or memberships.
* Political work for a candidate, organization or cause is forbidden for news staffers.
The Ethics Code is not written as a legal document. Every situation can’t be foreseen. Common sense must apply. But the object is made clear in the code’s preamble.
“We as journalists have a large responsibility to make certain our reports are true and objective. A profession that subjects people and institutions to constant scrutiny must itself maintain the highest of principles. The integrity we earn by maintaining those principles is our most valuable asset.”
Dear reader advocate: I received a newspaper that must have been from the end of a roll of newsprint. There was tape all over the John Rosemond parenting column. I couldn’t find it on your Web site. — S.T.
Dear S.T.: You covered several issues in one call. First, you received what we call a ”paster.” When one roll of newsprint is attached to a new roll, the first few papers have tape on them. Those papers should never have gotten out of the building. Second, the Times-Union Web site (www.jacksonville.com) does not archive most wire stories and syndicated columns. To find Rosemond’s previous columns, go to his site: www.rosemond.com.
New financial listings
The size of the type was increased last week. Some listings were dropped to make room, but if your favorite is missing, it can be added. Just contact me. If you have other comments or suggestions, please let me know.
More reader info
* A Thursday story on the surge of interest in the Florida Prepaid College Program did not tell readers how to contact the program. You can find its Web site by going to www.jacksonville.com. Find the keyword box in the top left corner. Click on keyword “prepay.” Phone: (800) 552-4723.
* A Jan. 10 story on a new Web site for determining the risks of smallpox vaccinations did not include the Web address in the online version. That was fixed. Readers interested in the story can find it at www.jacksonville.com, keyword “smallpox shot.”
* New tide charts are available. The six-month, pocket-size charts are a hit with fishermen. Just send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Public Affairs at the address listed below.
