Codes Of Conduct

There are four sets of regulations that Journalists must follow:

• The National Union of Journalists Codes of Conduct-The NUJ is a regulation created by Journalists.
• The PCC editor's code of conduct - In libel cases if you have been 'unethical' with your journalism and broken the PPC's rules they will use against you in court. If you break the PCC code The Sun and The Times can sack you instantly, the Guardian would try and defend you.
• BBC Producer Guidelines 'standards and values'
• OF COM Broadcasting Code (sections 5,6,7,8) - These regulations are set by the Government.

Ethics is self preservation. If a journalist works within the codes of conduct then it is ethical. If it breaks the codes of conduct then it is unethical, sloppy work and spelling mistakes for example.

Members of The NUJ codes of conduct are expected to stick to these principles:

1. You must oppose reporting restrictions wherever possible, including the opinions of people you do not agree with.

2. Information is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair.

3. Correct harmful inaccuracies, basically confess!

4. Differentiate between fact and opinion.

5. Obtain material by honest, straightforward and open means. You can use subterfuge in an investigation that overwhelmingly in the 'public interest.'

6. Do not intrude into private life, grief or distress unless justified by overwhelming consideration from the public interest.

7. Protect the identity of sources that supply information confidentially.

8.Resists threats or any other inducements to influence, distort or suppress information.

9.Produces no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race etc.

10. Does not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product.

11. Seek consent when interviewing a child.

12. Avoid plagiarism.

Note to self: Join the NUJ and get a press card.