Introduction
The purpose of a code of ethics is to uphold the principles of truthful and ethical journalism. Journalism, unlike many other professions, revolves around the fundamental duty of reporting verified facts and providing accurate information to the public. This code of ethics draws inspiration from respected media organizations such as the BBC, the New York Times, the Guardian, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters, aiming to guide journalists and editors in maintaining the highest professional standards.
Sources
1.1. Accuracy: Journalism relies on reliable and multiple sources. Every story should be cross-checked with at least three different sources. Reporters must challenge sources to provide evidence and identify inconsistencies or inaccuracies in their statements.
1.2. Attribution: Whenever possible, sources should be named, and their professional status should be made clear to establish their authority on the subject.
1.3. Anonymity: Sources may request anonymity, which should be granted if their safety could be compromised by revealing their identity. Reporters must be cautious of manipulation by sources seeking to avoid responsibility for their statements.
1.4. Confidentiality: When quoting a confidential source, journalists have a duty to protect their identity and not knowingly put them at risk. Legal consequences may arise from refusing to disclose the identity of a confidential source.
Reporting and Content
2.1. Accurate Quotes: Sources must be quoted accurately and in context, without manipulation or alterations. Ellipses and partial quotes should be avoided, and grammatical mistakes should not be corrected.
2.2. Superlatives and Breakthroughs: Claims of breakthroughs and superlatives should be treated with skepticism and supported by evidence.
2.3. Analysis and Commentary: Analysis and commentary should include multiple sources and be clearly labeled as opinion. Anonymous opinions should not be used.
2.4. Rumors: Rumors should not be reported as facts. However, if a rumor significantly impacts financial markets, it becomes part of the news story. Reliable sourcing is crucial when reporting on newsworthy rumors.
2.5. Interviews: Ground rules for interviews should be agreed upon in advance, including whether statements can be quoted directly or attributed to the interviewee. The interview format, language used, and any pre-submitted questions should be disclosed to readers.
Transparency and Corrections
3.1. Transparency: Errors should be corrected promptly and transparently. Factual errors must be corrected, even if discovered days or weeks later. Datelines should accurately reflect the location and presence of a staff reporter.
3.2. Material Attribution: Material received from government or press services should be clearly identified as such and not presented as original work.
3.3. Substantive Errors: Substantive errors should be acknowledged to readers, explaining what was changed. In cases of major errors, it may be necessary to remove the story entirely.
3.4. Plagiarism: Plagiarism, fabricating stories, inventing quotes, and intentional defamation are strictly prohibited and may result in termination.
Ethics and Professional Conduct
4.1. Conflicts of Interest: Journalists must avoid using their position for personal financial gain or other benefits. That is especially true for those covering financial markets.
4.2. Gifts and Payments: Journalists should not accept money or any form of compensation in exchange for placing a story or biasing their reporting. Accepting gifts, hospitality, or non-monetary benefits should be done with caution, and contributions toward expenses should be offered.
4.3. Social Media: Journalists using social media professionally should clearly identify themselves and prioritize reporting news through official channels before social networks. Spreading rumors on social media should be avoided, and private social media accounts should not reference the employer.
4.4. Sensitivity: Journalists should show sensitivity and compassion when interviewing individuals who have suffered financial losses or experienced distress. Privacy should be respected unless individuals voluntarily express a willingness to share their stories.
User-Generated Content
5.1. Ownership and Verification: User-generated content (UGC) must respect copyright laws, and permission from the owner should be obtained before using, distributing, or archiving such content. The authenticity of UGC should be verified before redistribution, and caution should be exercised when handling newsworthy rumors sourced from UGC.
5.2. Social Media Engagement: Engaging with sources on social media should adhere to fair and transparent practices, ensuring equitable treatment and responsible reporting.
Subterfuge
6.1. Fair Reporting: Journalists should strive to obtain information through fair means, avoiding impersonation and misrepresentation. Subterfuge should be employed only in extreme circumstances where the story is in the public interest and cannot reasonably be obtained by other means. Approval from the editor-in-chief is required before resorting to undercover methods.
This code of ethics reflects our commitment to honest, accurate, and responsible journalism. Violations of this code may result in disciplinary action, including termination. By adhering to these principles, we maintain the integrity of Crypto Avanza and uphold the trust placed in us by our readers and the public.
Please note that this code of ethics is subject to updates and revisions as necessary to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in an evolving media landscape.
