Newsroom Ethics Policy

Editorial independence

Editorial conclusions are not sold to advertisers, sponsors, investors, subjects or sources. Commercial relationships must be disclosed and do not guarantee favorable coverage.

Conflicts

Authors and editors should disclose material financial, employment, family or advocacy interests that could reasonably affect how a reader interprets the work. A conflicted contributor may be reassigned or accompanied by a clear disclosure.

Gifts and inducements

Newsroom access, gifts, travel or benefits must not purchase coverage. Material benefits connected to reporting should be declined, reimbursed or disclosed when unavoidable and editorially justified.

Originality

Plagiarism, fabricated quotations, invented evidence and deceptive image manipulation are prohibited. Significant use of another publication's exclusive reporting must be attributed.

Fairness

Subjects of serious criticism should be given a meaningful opportunity to respond when practicable. A refusal or failure to respond does not prevent publication when the underlying evidence is sufficient.