This code is designed to address the challenges and meet the ethical needs of the new media environment which is a constantly changing and developing arena of operation. The code applies to all new media professionals inclusive of online media reporters and editors, bloggers, photographers, videographers, and writers, and is specifically designed for use in this new media environment. This dynamic code is always available for frequent referral, updates and critiques on the blog page. Unlike a piece of paper signed the first day of a new job, this code is constantly available for review and as a reminder. Further, signatory name visibility enables one’s peers to enforce the code with fellow signatories at all times.

Code of Ethics for New Media Professionals 

(* -- Please refer to the blog/feedback page for further details)  

* Be Honest:

We, as new media professionals, are welcome, even encouraged, to cite each others’ work so long as the proper attribution is given. We should not take credit for information we have not found on our own, and we should not fear linking to another site. By linking elsewhere, we boost our own credibility, proving that we are willing to admit we did not find the story first and are willing to give credit, so long as the information is given to the readers. Of course, we should not rely on doing this all the time, but there are instances when it becomes necessary, as not everyone can be first. 

** Be Diligent:

We, as new media professionals, want to be first to present the news; in the online new media world, that “first” presents a much tighter deadline than print. Unfortunately, not everyone can be first all of the time. It is important to remember that news organizations must sometimes share information and cite other sources that have found the facts first. We should report incidents as appropriate by linking to other sites (see Be Honest above), but show readers that we are still working on the story and will try to relay additional information as it comes. Just because we are able to honestly cite another source for the initial facts does not mean our jobs are done. It is our responsibility to verify the information and keep readers informed on how the situation unfolds. 

*** Be Cautious:

We, as new media professionals, must recognize that the line between personal and professional life becomes blurrier and fuzzier online; we publish our professional qualifications on pages that often link to an array of personal photographs on Facebook, and which show our private activities. As new media professionals, we should be cautious in maintaining objectivity, and the distinction between our public influences and private endeavors. We must attempt to remain clear, consistent and firm in maintaining the divide between the two. Conversely, we must also be able to admit when there is any overlap between the two, understanding that our beliefs should not color our writing while trying to inform the public. Those of us who start blogs must be able to maintain a professionalism in our separate work that ensures our reporting is always objective. Readers will be able to find the blog, and they must be able to believe that the two are separate.  

**** Be Respectful:

We, as new media professionals, should create an information-sharing society. A key to enabling this would be the creation of an environment respectful of an individual’s privacy. We should respect the privacy codes established by a site that are agreed upon by users, and not attempt to circumvent these in the interest of obtaining information. So while it would be simple to pose as someone’s “friend” on Facebook to get the information needed, it would not be the ethical way of obtaining it and should therefore be avoided. Just like in print journalism, the ethics of understanding the difference between a public and private individual must be maintained. Public individuals have given up a certain right to privacy because they have willingly decided to be in the public eye. Private individuals have given no such clearance, and thus must be respected in online communities in the same way they would offline.

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