Core Principles of Journalism
1. Accuracy
Reporting accurate factual information is the core purpose of journalism. We use verified information as our main tool. When we receive information, we ask for evidence to ensure it is true. We clearly distinguish between someone's claims and what has been determined as fact. When we cannot corroborate information we clarify. Always keep things in their proper context.
2. Independence
Our first loyalty is to citizens and we operate in the public's interest. That means remaining free of obligations to vested interests, public or private. Part of our job is to hold those in power to account, necessitating avoiding collaborations or conflicts of interest. We recognize what journalists do in their private lives can damage trust in what they report.
3. Impartiality
There is always more than one side to the story. Often, there are more than 2 sides. We are open to all interpretations and give those under attack the opportunity to respond.
4. Humanity
Our job is to do good, not harm. We recognize that journalism has the potential to hurt people as well as help them. It is important to always weigh the benefit of disclosure versus the right to privacy. If information is inflammatory for a particular individual we ask: Is it crucial that the public be informed to prevent future harm in the community?
5. Accountability
We ensure to explain journalistic decisions for your audience, especially when they are contentious. When mistakes occur, we correct them promptly and openly. Asking: Are my actions or decisions likely to increase the trust I need to earn with my viewers.
Table of Contents
1. Political Shows and Elections
2. Opinion Coverage
3. Sources and Viewer Submissions
4. Crime and Police Reporting
5. Libel, Slander and Corrections
6. Social Media
Political Shows and Elections
When producing a political show YourTV will provide impartial coverage that is both balanced and fair. YourTV will ensure that all information is accurate and free of outside influence. All on-air personalities will declare any conflict of interest and/or perceived conflict of interest at the beginning of every episode.
Election Coverage
Once the writ drops, YourTV will ensure that all candidates receive equitable time on the channel. YourTV staff will refer to their Elections Policies, Standards and Guidelines document to ensure proper steps are followed throughout the election campaign.
Opinion Coverage
YourTV hosts a variety of opinion shows that allow hosts and guests to express their opinions on a number of different topics affecting their community. Hosts and guests are required to publicly acknowledge any personal biases on-air. Participants are also expected to communicate any conflict of interests when applicable. Opinions expressed in the show are that of the participants and do not reflect the views of YourTV or Cogeco.
Opinions sought are those that are in the public's interest and are expected to be fair and accurate. Personal attacks of any sort will not be tolerated. YourTV is always looking for diverse opinions reflecting the views of as many people as possible. Different backgrounds, cultures, religions, races, and political views are sought to tell all angles of a particular issue. YourTV strives for a balanced program that touches on all topics that are considered to be in the public's interest.
Sources and Viewer Submissions
YourTV staff will let sources know why and where the content will be used and will identify the sources of information where and when appropriate. Names of sources may need to be withheld to conceal or protect the identity of those involved. Staff will consult with their manager in these instances to determine the right course of action.
YourTV will never conceal our identities when requesting information or content via social media or any other source. Transparency and fairness is essential to everyone involved. Staff will do everything they can to verify sources and look for a second source when it is needed.
YourTV does not pay for interviews or sources.
Conflict of Interest
Journalistic work is incompatible with any conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is any action that may place, or appear to place, a journalist in a position of having to choose between adherence to professional standards and personal or professional gain.
If a journalist concludes that a conflict of interest exists or that there are sufficient reasons for a situation to be perceived as such (appearance of conflict of interest), he or she must advise his or her superior, who will manage the case in accordance with the principles set out in this guide and the Cogeco Code of Ethics. A conflict of interest form must then be completed (the code and the form are available on the 1Cogeco intranet site, in the "My Ethical Corner").
If a guest or other contributor to a news program has a personal interest in a topic, that interest must be expressed and clearly communicated to viewers at the outset.
Crime and Police Reporting
YourTV will show compassion and restraint when approaching victims or witnesses of accidents or crime scenes. Staff will avoid showing identifiable locations that may identify a victim or other parties to a situation that may not be appropriate. Examples include house/apt. numbers or license plates. When possible, these items will be blurred out. YourTV will never subject undue pressure to a distressed person for an interview. Staff will use best judgement when choosing audio/video clips and make sure that the video used matches what is being discussed. When appropriate, YourTV will use a disclaimer before airing a particular story. The hosts will advise the viewing audience that "the following clips may be upsetting to some viewers" before running the story. Any and all depictions of violence or graphic material will be reviewed by the manager prior to the video going to air.
Identifying Individuals
YourTV will only identify a victim or accused person when it is deemed to be in the public's best interest. We will collaborate with local police force prior to identifying someone to ensure the information is correct. Accused persons names will be withheld unless YourTV plans on following up with a case to continue to provide updates or when it is deemed in the public's best interest to release a name. In the event that YourTV does name an accused person, and the person is exonerated, YourTV will update the story as well as any online posts when they are advised of the update.
YourTV will assist local police in getting information out to the public when it is believed to be in the public's best interest. Specific information may be released when YourTV is assisting police locate a missing person. Accordingly, YourTV may also release specific information when assisting the police locate a person of interest.
Requests for video footage will only be released to law enforcement by senior management.
Amber Alerts and Missing People
YourTV staff will avoid sensationalizing events and will stick to the facts. YourTV will posts amber alerts and missing people on social media and will provide updates when they become available.
Suicides
YourTV does not report on suicides unless it is believed that it is in the public's best interest.
Bomb Threats
YourTV coverage will stick to the facts and staff will work with local authorities to ensure the public is informed on what is happening. YourTV will take into consideration information that they deem to be in the public's best interest.
Hold and Secure
YourTV coverage will stick to the facts and staff will work with local authorities (police, school boards etc) to ensure the public is informed on what is happening without sensationalizing. Social media will drive fear among parents in this situation. It is our responsibility to report verified facts always taking into account the public's interest.
Visuals
Occasionally, our team has access to visuals that may be upsetting to the viewer. These include, but are not limited to, breaking news items and sports coverage when injuries occur live on air. Our team will always consider the public's interest and impact before airing such coverage.
Libel, Slander and Corrections
Libel and defamation fall under the jurisdiction of the civil and criminal courts. They challenge the civil and criminal liability of the media and news professionals in cases of unwarranted damage to reputation.
It is the responsibility of the media to find the best means to correct their failures and errors with regard to individuals, groups or authorities implicated in their journalistic productions.Persons who feel aggrieved by an interview or a report concerning them and who wish to avail themselves of a right of reply must contact the station manager who must judge the relevance and merits of the request for reply and establish the terms of the applicant's intervention. The manager must inform the YourTV Director.
An on-air correction is necessary when one or more pieces of information in a program, report or interview are found to be inaccurate or partially accurate and could have an impact on a person or organization.
Social Media
YourTV will follow the same standards for social media reporting as they do for broadcasts. YourTV staff will monitor User Generated Content on any of our platforms and reserve the right to hide, delete or ban any comment that we deem inappropriate.
User Generated Content (comments) on social media may be used in YourTV broadcasts. Staff will assign the source to the posts when using it and will contact the poster to let them know that their comment will be used on the broadcasts. Staff will confirm the validity of the information before using it.
YourTV will always be transparent with followers on what we do know and what information is not yet known. If certain information is left out of posts, it is likely that that information is not known yet or the information is not provided for a reason. Staff will always take into consideration what is in the public's best interest before posting.
Interactions with People on Social Media
YourTV staff will only engage with people on social media when it is appropriate to do so. Staff will not take part in any interactions with people deemed to be concerning or threatening. YourTV staff will not take part in any confrontational conversations over social media.
