Ethics in Media
This policy outlines the ethical principles guiding our community radio station’s broadcasting, journalism, and community engagement. It applies to all staff, volunteers, contributors, and board members.
1. Core Principles
Accuracy — We verify information before broadcasting, correct errors promptly and on-air, distinguish fact from opinion, and keep records of sources.
Fairness — We present diverse perspectives on controversial issues, avoid selective or biased presentation of facts, and give reasonable opportunity for response to criticism.
Objectivity — We separate personal beliefs from reporting, avoid biased language, and base coverage on verifiable facts and full context.
Independence — We maintain editorial independence from funders and advertisers, disclose relationships that could influence content, and resist outside pressure on our coverage.
2. Specific Issues
Conflicts of Interest — Disclose any relationship that could influence your work; don’t accept gifts or compensation from those you cover; recuse yourself from related coverage; disclose political affiliations that could affect impartiality.
Privacy — Respect privacy, especially for private individuals; obtain consent before recording private conversations; use extra care with minors, crime victims, and trauma survivors; weigh public interest before publishing private information.
Social Media — Distinguish personal opinions from station positions; don’t share unverified information; avoid abusive or discriminatory behavior; reflect the station’s values online.
Transparency — Disclose sources when possible, explain our process, acknowledge unverified information, and own up to mistakes.
Compassion — Consider the impact of coverage on those involved; use sensitive language with traumatic events; avoid sensationalism; prioritize human dignity.
3. Community Engagement
We seek diverse voices and underrepresented perspectives, incorporate community feedback, and dedicate resources to issues affecting marginalized communities.
4. Programming and Content
We clearly label news, opinion, commentary, and sponsored content; ensure music programming reflects diverse traditions and artists; reject content promoting discrimination, violence, or hatred; and follow broadcast regulations on explicit content and watershed hours.
5. Accountability
Enforcement — Report concerns to the station manager or ethics committee; concerns are documented, investigated promptly, and kept confidential where appropriate; findings are shared with those involved.
Discipline — Ranges from counseling/training for minor issues, to suspension for repeated violations, to termination for serious breaches. Criminal violations are reported to authorities.
Appeals — Personnel may appeal in writing within 14 days; an independent committee issues the final decision.
6. Implementation
All personnel review and acknowledge this policy annually. Ethics training and discussion are built into regular station meetings, and the policy itself is reviewed and updated yearly.