of Ethics Online Collection:None
Milwaukee Journal - Rules and Guidelines
Issued Oct. 5, 1973, by the managing editor.
The Milwaukee journal assumes that Editorial
Department employees are honest and honorable and that they
adhere to the highest journalistic ethics. This statement
of professional standards is intended to reinforce these established
journal traditions of ethical conduct.
These rules and guidelines apply to all persons in the department
whose work involves news gathering, writing or editing. Most
of the practices outlined here follow long-standing departmental
policy.
The code includes specific situations that are frequently
encountered by the Editorial staff but does not attempt to
cover all circumstances. It is meant to set a general tone
and guideline for staff conduct.
In all cases, the intention is to strengthen the journal's
reputation for integrity and high standards.
FREE TICKETS AND PASSES
Free tickets or paws to sports events, movies,
theatrical productions, circuses, ice shows or other entertainment
may not be accepted or solicited by staff members.
Working reporters, however, may accept passes to events where
there are special facilities - such as press boxes or press
tables-for which tickets are not sold. All other sports writers,
critics and reviewers should buy 2 ticket and submit an expense
voucher.
A staff member who needs to attend an event for background
purposes should buy a ticket and turn in an expense voucher.
Press box passes may be used only by reporters assigned to
cover.
Season passes to movies may not be accepted
Nightclub admission or cover charges and the cost of meals
and refreshments for the reviewer will be paid by the journal.
GIFTS AND GRATUITIES
Gifts of insignificant value - a calendar, pencil,
key chain or such-may be accepted if it would be awkward to
refuse or to return them. All other gifts should be declined.
Staff members may not accept any gifts of liquor, wine or
beer.
A gift that exceeds token value should be returned promptly
with an explanation that it is against OUT Policy. If it is
impractical to return it, the company will donate it to a
charity.
TRAVEL
The journal will pay all costs involved in travel
for news coverage or background information for staff members.
This includes transportation, meals, hotels and incidentals.
Junkets free trips and reduced rate or subsidized travel may
not be accepted.
An exception may be made when free or reduced rate transportation
is the only means available to cover an event (such as a military
flight or a trip arranged by a foundation or government).
Staff members must consult with the managing editor before
accepting such arrangements.
Staff members may travel on chartered planes (with a sports
team Or political candidate, for example) and take advantage
of hotel booking or other services offered by a news source
provided that the team or organization bills the journal for
the full cost involved.
USE OF MERCHANDISE OR PRODUCTS
Staff members should not accept the free use
or reduced rate purchase of merchandise or products for
personal
pleasure when such an offer involves the staffers' newspaper
position. This includes the loan or cut-rate purchase of
such
things as automobiles, furniture, boats, snowmobiles, appliances,
clothing and sporting goods.
Within narrow limits, a staff member may drive or use a product
for a short time to test or evaluate it for news or feature
articles or for photography. Any extended or regular use of
products for these purposes is not allowed.
MISCELLANEOUS
Entertainment
Where possible, journal staff members should pay for meals
and drinks when on company business. Dinner or cocktail parties
are allowed if the event relates to news coverage or if it
is valuable for background. "Freeload" affairs that have little
or nothing to do with news coverage should be avoided. This
includes such things as special entertainment for the press
and families at carnivals or midways (such as Summerfest or
the State Fair) and movies and theatrical showings.
Inaugural Events
A reporter may go on an inaugural flight or participate in
a similar event when assigned to coverage and the company
will pay for expenses incurred.
Membership
Free or reduced rate memberships in private clubs or similar
organizations may not be accepted. If it is necessary for
a staff member (such as a golf writer) to belong to a club,
the company will pay for the membership.
Books
Books that are supplied for review will be turned over to
libraries or deserving organizations when the news department
is finished with them. This includes books that are not reviewed
as well as those that are. No person should keep such books
for personal use. Editors and reporters may maintain a library
of such books in the office if required for reference.
Records
Phonograph records submitted for review are to be used only
for that purpose. Only designated reviewers may receive records,
except those writers who review or cover live musical entertainment
may use these records if they pertain to their work. Record
reviewers may keep recordings that are needed for reference
purposes. All others will be turned over to deserving organizations
by the company.
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Use of Journal Connections
Employees must not use their position on the paper to their
advantage in commercial transactions or for other personal
pin. This specifically prohibits such practices, as the use
of Journal stationery for private business matters, letters
of protest or similar dealings.
Participation
Journal staff members must avoid involvement in public affairs
and outside activities that would create a conflict of interest
or give the impression of one. We do not want readers to think
that our news coverage is influenced by activism on our part.
We must be concerned not only about our integrity but also
about our image.
Participation in politics at any level is not allowed either
for pay or as a volunteer.
Work in public relations and publicity in fields outside the
journal is not permitted.
Investments
Financial investments or other outside business activities
by Journal staff members that could conflict with the Journal's
ability to report the news, or that would create the impression
of such a conflict, must be avoided.
OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
Editorial department employees may take an outside
job provided that it does not interfere with journal duties,
there is no conflict of interest involved and it is cleared
in advance with the managing editor.
No employee may work for pay for a newspaper or other publication
or for a commercial radio or television station whose principal
circulation or audience is in the journal's circulation area.
Correspondence for out-of-state publications is permitted
with advance clearance.
In any outside employment, the employee's title or assignment
at the journal must not be exploited.
Unpaid appearances on television or radio panels or interview
shows are allowed with advance permission and consistent with
the other rules above.
Free-lance writing generally is permitted.
News and feature material in the journal that was produced
on company time is considered the property of the company.
The company controls the sale of such material for reprint
or other use. Payment for reprinting is divided between the
company and the staff member who produced the article.
