Code of Ethics as a Journalist

My code of ethics covers a wide span of topics, some definite and some situational. These ethics follow my morals as an individual, making them somewhat unique to journalism, because I stand with what I believe in. I believe in fairness, decency and good manners.

I. I will never accept any type of offer, be that tangible, symbolic or designed personally for myself, that is not also offered every other reporter/journalist as well as the public that may sway my story to create any kind of bias.

II. I will do my best to remain objective. I will write the facts, reporting on what has happened rather than what I may think that has happened.

III. I will not let my personal affairs reflect or show through in any of my work.

IV. I will remain calm and collected at all times. I will present myself as a respectful individual with self-control holding myself accountable for every action I take.

V. I will take necessary risks to accomplish the goal of the story

VI. I will always present myself as a journalist.

VII. I will credit my sources. If a source asks to remain anonymous, I will then ask how necessary it is for them to remain anonymous, doing my best to credit their name in the story, with respectful limits.

VIII. If a source who wishes to remain anonymous puts any life at risk, I will do my best to ensure the safety of the community, rather than keep that source confidential.

IX. I will never plagiarize. I will properly credit any outside resources included within my work.

X. I will educate the public with my honest all; presenting all of my knowledge on the matter; leaving no detail behind, adding no information without solid facts and evidence to base my story on.

XI. I will do my best to contact the proper or "best" sources for the story.

XII. I will not engage with any source beyond the business aspect of that story.

XIII. I will always represent my sources and material the way they are, not the way they appear to be. I will not misrepresent anyone/anything.

XIV. I will never racially discriminate or involve any kind of prejudice in a story.

XV. I will acknowledge the feelings of others and take into consideration harmful repercussions of writing and/or submitting video/pictures of graphic or controversial nature.

XVI. My work will be finished when I am entirely satisfied with every aspect of the work I have done.