The Center for Journalistic Integrity understands the importance of accurate, ethical journalism.

We uphold the value of a free Press as enshrined in our Constitution, and as a foundational human value; necessary for species survival.

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The Center for Journalistic Integrity recognizes this unique moment in Human history.  Today's internet technologies empower each and every one of us - as private citizens - to tell stories about the world, as Journalists.  To access large audiences - viably competing with, and challenging traditional media narratives. 

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The Center for Journalistic Integrity believes that ethical, human-centric Journalism aims to be accurate and fair.  Journalists should be honest, self-aware and courageous in interpreting information and employing the best language, to convey what is True.  The words that Journalists use - or obscure - are manifesting reality in consequential ways.  Journalists daily inform the public of the nature of reality.

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The Center for Journalistic Integrity elevates the highest standard for Journalism ... A standard that reflects our collective deepest knowledge of Human Psychology, Philosophy, Linguistics, Media Literacy & Humanism.  We believe in journalism that challenges society to think more deeply and with clarity.  So that regular people can identify and understand the forces which dictate their life experience. 

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Journalists seek Truth and Report It:

• Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible. 

• Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy. 

• Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting or summarizing a story. 

• Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story. ​

• Acknowledge their biases and interests, including the lure of personal fame and attention.

• Be intentional about understanding themselves deeply; their strengths, weaknesses and biases.

• Know that "Identity" of all kinds can quietly influence the journalists' language choices - their narrative range.​

• Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting. 

• Identify sources clearly. Give as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources. 

• Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless. 

• Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant. 

• Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all. 

• Boldly tell the story of the diversity of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear. 

• Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.

 

Journalists Minimize Harm:

• Show compassion for those who may be affected by News coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment. 

• Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast. 

• Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information. 

• Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do. 

 

Journalists Act Independently:

• Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts. 

• On the organizational level, journalists do not ignore the power of financial and executive interests, managing language and crafting narrative stories.  Journalists are aware and honest about the structural and institutional limitations on their work.

• Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility. 

• Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not. 

• Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage. 

• Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content. 

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Journalists Are Curious, Accountable and Transparent:

• Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content. 

• Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness. 

• Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly. 

• Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations. 

• Abide by the same high standards they expect of others. 

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