1. Ethics in journalism The fundamentals of media credibility

2. 1. Don’t make things up The most basic rule in journalism

3. 1. Don’t make things up The most basic rule in journalism Mike Barnicle, Patricia Smith, Jayson Blair, Jack Kelley, Stephen Glass, Janet Cooke and on and on and on

4. 1. Don’t make things up The most basic rule in journalism Mike Barnicle, Patricia Smith, Jayson Blair, Jack Kelley, Stephen Glass, Janet Cooke and on and on and on Non-fiction is the heart and soul of what we do

5. 1a. Don’t plagiarize Along with fabrication, one of the two capital offenses in journalism

6. 1a. Don’t plagiarize Along with fabrication, one of the two capital offenses in journalism Easier to get caught than ever before because of Google and LexisNexis

7. 1a. Don’t plagiarize Along with fabrication, one of the two capital offenses in journalism Easier to get caught than ever before because of Google and LexisNexis The “Romenesko effect”

8. 1a. Don’t plagiarize Along with fabrication, one of the two capital offenses in journalism Easier to get caught than ever before because of Google and LexisNexis The “Romenesko effect” Background doesn’t have to be attributed — but what is background?

9. 3. Exact quotes are exact quotes What’s inside quotation marks is exactly what the person said

10. 3. Exact quotes are exact quotes What’s inside quotation marks is exactly what the person said Don’t use quotation marks for indirect quotes

11. 3. Exact quotes are exact quotes What’s inside quotation marks is exactly what the person said Don’t use quotation marks for indirect quotes Use fragmentary quotes when you only get a few pithy comments

12. 4. Avoid conflicts of interest Do not quote family members

13. 4. Avoid conflicts of interest Do not quote family members Do not report on story in which you or family members are directly involved

14. 4. Avoid conflicts of interest Do not quote family members Do not report on story in which you or family members are directly involved Do not accept gifts from sources

15. 5. Be fair and neutral Seek out the truth and report all sides

16. 5. Be fair and neutral Seek out the truth and report all sides Always contact someone who is being criticized by others

17. 5. Be fair and neutral Seek out the truth and report all sides Always contact someone who is being criticized by others Write with an “objective” voice — keep your opinion to yourself

18. 6. Identify yourself Always tell a potential source that you’re a reporter working on a story

19. 6. Identify yourself Always tell a potential source that you’re a reporter working on a story Never turn a conversation into an interview without permission

20. 6. Identify yourself Always tell a potential source that you’re a reporter working on a story Never turn a conversation into an interview without permission Undercover assignments must be approved at the highest level

21. 7. Anonymous sources Urge them to go on the record; use them as little as possible

22. 7. Anonymous sources Urge them to go on the record; use them as little as possible Your editor has a right to know

23. 7. Anonymous sources Urge them to go on the record; use them as little as possible Your editor has a right to know You are bound by the promise you made

24. 7. Anonymous sources Urge them to go on the record; use them as little as possible Your editor has a right to know You are bound by the promise you made Ex post facto requests to go off the record must be handled with care

25. 8. Recorder protocol Massachusetts is a two-party state

26. 8. Recorder protocol Massachusetts is a two-party state First thing we should hear is, “I’ve just turned on the recorder”

27. 8. Recorder protocol Massachusetts is a two-party state First thing we should hear is, “I’ve just turned on the recorder” Recording is becoming more important in online journalism

28. 9. Admit your mistakes We all make them

29. 9. Admit your mistakes We all make them Prompt and willing correction can help avoid libel suit

30. 9. Admit your mistakes We all make them Prompt and willing correction can help avoid libel suit Adds to media credibility

31. 10. Have fun!