"Professional electronic journalists should present the news with integrity and decency, avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest, and respect the dignity and intelligence of the audience as well as the subjects of news."
~RTNDA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct


The RTNDA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct specifically cites the need for avoiding conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived. The act of reporting and presenting the news often puts journalists in the position of working very closely with sources. This is where conflicts of interest can occur. Electronic journalists have an obligation to carry out their jobs-and their private lives- with no real or apparent conflicts of interest.

RTNDA strongly encourages journalists to ask the following questions when covering stories or beats that may produce real or perceived conflicts of interest:

1. Will the private actions of a journalist with a news source or newsmaker give the appearance of an unprofessional connection. Audience members may react with suspicion to revelations of friendships or romances that develop between journalists and their sources-particularly if there is ongoing coverage of a beat or story. Journalists and their managers must realize relationships that would be perfectly acceptable between other adults might not be viewed in the same way when there is also a journalist-source relationship.

2. Will the actions of a journalist's or newsroom manager's family members with a news source or newsmaker give the appearance of an unprofessional connection. In the same way the personal actions of journalists on their private time may come into question, the actions of their spouses and family members may do the same. How will actions of those close to a journalist be perceived by audience members.

3. Is it ever acceptable to accept gifts from a source on a story. If so, is there a monetary value limit on that gift. The FCC's rules call for specific disclosure of payment to air material. But what if the gift comes not in connection with airing specific content. What other motivation might there be for the gift. Consider the appearances created with the audience if the gift were disclosed publicly.

4. Will you accept free admission to parks and events you are covering, even when the general public must pay for the same access. Some ethicists insist journalists covering events requiring a ticket should pay the same fee ticket buyers do, while others insist free access is part of the coverage process. Managers should discuss what sorts of events merit free access and if any do not.

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