Journalism Do's
Accuracy
- Make sure the facts are right and the right facts are there.
Fairness
- Make sure to present all sides, arguments, and opinions.
Context
- Tell the whole story.
Truth
- Let the facts fall where they may, and you'll give readers and viewers a chance to begin to find the truth.
Journalism Don'ts
Plagiarism
- Never use the words and ideas of another without giving credit to the source.
Sloppy Reporting
- Don't fail to check the facts.
Bias
- Don't allow your news reports to be influenced by your own opinions.
Conflicts of Interest
- Don't report a story if you are not completely independent from that story.
Deception
- Never, ever invent character, quotations or any part of a story.
Journalism Dilemmas
Anonymous Sources
- These are people who supply or "lead" information to you on the condition that you will not mention their names or identities as the sources of information.
Misrepresentation
- This occurs when you pretend to be someone other than a journalist or use deceptive tactics to get a story.
Lack of Regard For Privacy
- This occurs when you reveal facts of a person nature about someone and many readers and views think you have invaded that person's privacy.
Sensationalism
- This occurs when you offer news coverage designed to excite or entertain more than to inform.
