The ASNE Canons of Journalism One Organization’s Effort to Try to Explain What the Rules Are for “Good Journalism” in America

Responsibility The rights of a newspaper to attract and hold readers is restricted by nothing but consideration of public welfare. A journalist who uses his power for any selfish or otherwise unworthy purpose is faithless to a high trust.

Freedom of the Press Freedom of the press is to be guarded as a vital right of mankind. It is the unquestionable right to discuss whatever is not explicitly forbidden by law, including the wisdom of any restrictive statute.

Independence Newspapers should be free from all obligations except to the public interest. As a journalist, promoting your private, personal interest in your stories isn’t honest. Partisanship in editorial comment that knowingly departs from the truth is wrong.

Sincerity, Truthfulness and Accuracy Newspapers need to be TRUTHFUL. A lack of thoroughness or care is NO EXCUSE. Headlines should reflect accompanying stories.

Impartiality News reports and opinions should be separate. News reports should be free from opinion or bias of any kind.

Fair Play Don’t publish information that could damage someone’s reputation without giving them a chance to respond Invasion of privacy should only happen when it’s in the public interest, not just out of curiosity Newspapers should promptly CORRECT THEIR ERRORS

Decency Newspapers shouldn’t publish material just because they have the right to do so – there are some details in some stories that are better left unreported Newspapers shouldn’t pander to the lowest common denominator of readers – when it happens, it should be condemned by readers and by professional journalists