We are going to discuss qualities of good Journalist and Journalism Skills And Qualities.
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the cornerstones of our business. We certainly have the task and responsibility to arrive first, but above all not to make mistakes. Accuracy, like balance, always has absolute priority over speed.
Corrections
Reuters deals with errors transparently, correcting them in a clear and timely manner both in articles and in captions, images and television comments. Corrections are never hidden or hidden or inserted into a paragraph or subsequent pieces. For the principles to follow when making corrections, see the specific section CORRECTIONS.
Sources
Accuracy involves honesty in the treatment of sources. Our reputation for being accurate and impartial depends on the credibility of our sources. A Reuters journalist, TV operator or photographer is always the best eyewitness to an event. A cited source is always preferable to an anonymous source. In using sources, we must never deliberately mislead by citing a source that made an official statement, but made a contradictory claim in private, nor say that we have plural “sources” as we actually have one. alone. Anonymous sources are the weakest. All journalists should know the detailed advice set out in the section of the manual entitled THE SOURCES FOR REUTERS: BASIC PRINCIPLES.
- If possible, we use sources with a name and a surname because they are responsible for the information they provide, even if we are still responsible for the accuracy, impartiality and any legal consequences. We encourage our sources to make public statements.
- Reuters uses anonymous sources when they provide information of public or economic interest that is not available in an official form. In this case, we are solely responsible for the accuracy of this information.
- When we talk to sources, we always make sure to follow the basic rules. We take notes and record the interviews.
- When the sources are anonymous, our rule is to have at least two before publishing the news. There may be exceptions. In evaluating information provided by anonymous sources, we consider the credentials, the position and the possible interest of the interlocutor. We act according to common sense. If we have doubts, more checks are needed.
- In agreements, disputes, negotiations or conflicts, we speak with all parties involved.
- We check the sources and get the information with intellectual honesty. We contextualize the sources, both cited and anonymous, in the most detailed way possible, to validate the information provided. We explicitly declare what we don’t know.
- In exceptional cases, Reuters publishes news obtained from a single anonymous source, when it comes to credible information released by a secure source with direct knowledge of the situation. News from a single source must be discussed with your direct managers.
- A source enters into an agreement with Reuters, not the reporter. In the event of an editorial justified request, the journalist is required to reveal his source to the DIRECT manager. Both the journalist and the person in charge have a duty to protect the confidentiality of the sources.
- In the event that a spokesman confirms a news item Off the record but says On the record that he cannot comment, it will be appropriate to write the news confirmed by a source, saying that the company does not comment. * The request aims to prevent the same source from being cited twice in two different ways.
- When we do investigative journalism, we try not only to demonstrate, but also to refute the theses we present.
- Accuracy always has absolute priority. It is better to wait than to be wrong. Before pressing the button, let’s think about how we would respond to a dispute or a denial.
- Reuters defends journalists who have followed the source control instructions and proper authorization procedures.
Quotes
Quotations are sacred. They must never be modified, except to erase a superfluous word or phrase and only if this elimination does not alter its meaning in any way. A selective use of citations can cause an imbalance in the piece. Make sure that the quotations shown represent well what the interlocutor says, without neglecting * if necessary – to describe body language (a smile or a wink) that could change the meaning of the sentence. When mentioning a person, always provide the context or circumstances in which the statement was made. We are not required to make the interlocutors look good, by retouching their inelegant expression, nor should we ridicule them by quoting badly spoken or ungrammatical phrases. Generally, when needed, a paraphrase or indirect speech can be used. If this is not possible, the reporter should consult a superior or a more experienced colleague to discuss whether a literal quote can be reported. In a quotation, the correction of a grammatical error can be accepted, but not the reformulation of the whole sentence. When translating quotations from one language to another, we should use idiomatic expressions rather than slavishly literal versions. It must be ensured that the tone of the translation is equivalent to that of the original. We are also careful when we quote citations from other newspapers by translating them into the original language of the source. If an Italian politician gives an interview to an American newspaper, in all probability the retranslation in Italian will be incorrect and, in some cases, the quotation could be very different. In these situations, it is much better to reduce the quotes to the benefit of indirect speech.
Mirror reality
Accuracy means that our images and our pieces must reflect reality. Journalists may be tempted to “exaggerate” or treat their material with sensationalism, distorting reality or inducing the reader or viewer to draw erroneous and potentially harmful conclusions or impressions. A “massive wave” of immigrants, for example, may actually be a relatively limited number of people, just as a “surge” in the price of a security may correspond to a rather modest increase. If we pause to reflect and discuss how we use words we will create more precise journalism and reduce potential damage.
Dates and places of origin, authors
Accuracy is fundamental when we report the date and place of origin of a work and the name of its author. Readers assume that the author of a piece is in the place indicated. We must therefore place the pieces only in the place where the writer is present (or the reporter mentioned by a desk). We can only mention places where we have freelance staff or collaborators – journalists, photographers, television operators – from whom we receive information on the field. It is a good idea to mention colleagues who contributed to an article at the end of the piece (colleagues from various locations, photographers, cameramen). Stringers who work with a collaboration contract are people who pass on data and information but often ask not to be mentioned by name. So we omit their signatures to avoid involuntary confusion and we NEVER sign a piece with the name of a stringer in Italian. For the English text, permission must be sought from the person concerned.
Attribution
Accuracy – in a piece, as well as in a photograph or video – involves the correct attribution to the source of the material that does not belong to us. Our customers and readers count that we reveal the origin of the material honestly, as this allows them to assess its credibility. When labeling a movie or photograph, we must always identify the source clearly, for example, as “Greenpeace movie” or “US Army photo”. Similarly, it is essential for the purposes of transparency that we clearly attribute to the source (s) that we have not collected personally, even when it is a competing organization. Any defaults may give rise to allegations of plagiarism against us.
Voices and rumors
Reuters aims to report the facts, not the rumors. Our customers demand that we can distinguish between facts and rumors, and our reputation depends in part on this. But there are times when unconfirmed rumors affect financial markets, when we have a duty to explain the reasons for these movements and try to locate the rumor, confirming or denying it. For complete information on how to deal with rumors, see the section of the manual THE SOURCES FOR REUTERS: BASIC PRINCIPLES.
Explicit images and obscenity
In the exercise of our work, we can witness scenes of violence or explicit sex. As journalists, we have an obligation to accurately and truthfully report what we are witnessing, but also the duty to know that such material can upset, damage the dignity of the individuals involved or even, in some cases, overwhelm the reader or spectator enough to invalidate the rational understanding of the facts. We do not sweeten violence, we do not censor words, nor euphemistically describe sex. However, we must not publish explicit images and vulgar expressions for free or with the intention of tickling the public’s curiosity or shocking them. To publish this material there must be a valid reason from a journalistic point of view and, as a rule, the consent of a senior editor is required. In any case, we must consider whether publication is necessary for an understanding of the reality represented or illustrated. We should also remember that our customers have different sensitivities and needs, depending on the market to which they belong. The explicit material that can be sent to our wholesale radio and television clientele may not be suitable for an online publication accessible to consumers, as a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). GUIDE TO REUTERS ACTIVITIES: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. we must consider whether publication is necessary for the understanding of the reality represented or illustrated. We should also remember that our customers have different sensitivities and needs, depending on the market to which they belong. The explicit material that can be sent to our wholesale radio and television clientele may not be suitable for an online publication accessible to consumers, as a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). GUIDE TO REUTERS ACTIVITIES: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. we must consider whether publication is necessary for the understanding of the reality represented or illustrated. We should also remember that our customers have different sensitivities and needs, depending on the market to which they belong. The explicit material that can be sent to our wholesale radio and television clientele may not be suitable for an online publication accessible to consumers, as a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). GUIDE TO REUTERS ACTIVITIES: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. We should also remember that our customers have different sensitivities and needs, depending on their market. The explicit material that can be sent to our wholesale radio and television clientele may not be suitable for an online publication accessible to consumers, as a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). REUTERS ACTIVITIES GUIDE: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. We should also remember that our customers have different sensitivities and needs, depending on their market. The explicit material that can be sent to our wholesale radio and television clientele may not be suitable for an online publication accessible to consumers, as a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). REUTERS ACTIVITIES GUIDE: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. how a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). GUIDE TO REUTERS ACTIVITIES: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM. how a photograph with a sexually explicit content may be more acceptable in one part of the world than in another. Further information on how to deal with explicit images is contained in the manual section (in English). GUIDE TO REUTERS ACTIVITIES: NEWS, PHOTOGIORNALISM AND VIDEOJOURNALISM.
Independence
Independence is based both on our reputation as a “stateless” journalistic organization active all over the world, and on the credibility that allows us to report impartially on all the protagonists of a conflict or dispute. Independence is crucial to being able to write about companies, institutions and individuals active on the financial markets, many of whom are also our customers, letting us be guided exclusively by accuracy, balance and truth. Our independence derives not only from the structure of Reuters, but also from our journalistic duty to avoid conflicts of interest or situations that could favor the perception of their existence. The following is not an exhaustive list of all possible conflicts. If you believe that any of your businesses can create one,
Personal investments
You must not allow an investment held by you or your immediate family members to affect the business you conduct for Reuters. Except as part of any agreements entered into by Reuters for its employees, it is prohibited to use Reuters’ trading and communication systems for personal investment of one’s own or any other individual.
Declaration of financial interests
Whatever you do – general news, financial information or other topics – you should make sure that there are no circumstances that could cause a suspicion of partiality to fall on Reuters. The section of the Code of Conduct which deals with personal investments reflects the acceptable principles when drafting the Code. The changes in the sector and in the regulatory frameworks require us to comply with even higher standards, to protect and consolidate our reputation for making accurate and impartial journalism. All editorial journalists are subject to these supplementary principles to be read together with the Code.
External collaborations
It is prohibited to do paid work outside of Reuters without prior authorization from your manager. The ban includes writing articles or a book, giving a speech at a conference, or commercial photography and photojournalism. Authorization is generally granted if the commitment is carried out outside working hours and it is not an activity in direct competition with that carried out for Reuters.
Independence from sources
Reuters never submits pieces, television commentaries, or pictures to sources for review before publication, as this violates our independence. We can, on our own initiative, recheck the correctness of a citation or the reliability of some information with the sources, but we must also ensure that, in doing so, we do not give the sources the opportunity to deny or materially modify the citation or the information to your advantage. Sometimes respondents, or the organizations or companies to which they belong, ask us to view the citations before publishing or transmitting them. We must, if possible, object to such requests. If we are forced to submit a summons for approval, we must not consent to any material changes being made.
Gifts and hospitality
Il Code of Conduct di Reuters ricorda ai giornalisti che è vietato accettare qualsiasi compenso, regalo, servizio o incentivo (in denaro o in natura) offerto da una fonte o da un contatto. In alcune società c’è la tradizione di scambiarsi regali in occasioni particolari, quali le festività pubbliche o religiose. Un rifiuto, in questi casi, può essere considerato offensivo e un giornalista deve valutare il suo comportamento tenendo conto della cultura e delle tradizioni di una società. Un metro di giudizio per decidere se accettare o rifiutare cortesemente il dono è dato dal suo valore. Un dono di valore più che simbolico va rifiutato, spiegando la nostra politica aziendale. Se dovesse risultare impossibile rifiutare un regalo di valore, questo va consegnato al responsabile, che lo devolverà a un idoneo istituto di beneficenza. Se non riuscite a determinare il valore di un regalo, trattatelo come se non fosse simbolico. Il collaboratore che abbia dei dubbi sul comportamento da tenere è tenuto a discutere la questione con il proprio responsabile. La politica aziendale Reuters sulla corruzione, i regali e l’ospitalità – cui sono soggetti anche i giornalisti – è consultabile tramite il Policy Gateway, apposito portale del nostro Intranet.
Travel and accommodation
Sometimes journalistic sources, especially companies, offer free transportation or accommodation to journalists to interest them in a news story. Our basic principle is that we pay for transport independently and organize our accommodation independently. If this is not possible or if this choice limits access to sources, the proposal must be discussed with your manager. Authorization is normally granted only if the news justifies it and if it is inappropriate to insist on wanting to pay. In this case, a donation equivalent to the costs that Reuters would have incurred must be donated to a suitable charity and the donation must be recorded. In exceptional circumstances, it may be impossible to obtain news without accepting free transportation or accommodation. Such cases may include, for example, a flight with a humanitarian organization to an isolated destination to write a piece about a famine, a military flight to a war zone or an interview with a company’s chief executive officer on a private jet. Again, journalists must obtain authorization to proceed from their manager. The latter must evaluate factors such as the routes of access, the journalistic value and the risk of a conflict of interest (and if the trip was resolved into nothing?) And it is possible that he should refer the matter to a superior. CEO of a company on a private jet. Again, journalists must obtain authorization to proceed from their manager. The latter must evaluate factors such as the routes of access, the journalistic value and the risk of a conflict of interest (and if the trip was resolved into nothing?) And it is possible that he should refer the matter to a superior. CEO of a company on a private jet. Again, journalists must obtain permission to proceed from their manager. The latter must evaluate factors such as the routes of access, the journalistic value and the risk of a conflict of interest (and if the trip was resolved into nothing?) And it is possible that he should refer the matter to a superior.
Bribery and other incentives
In no case should we accept or offer compensation (in money or in kind) for a news item. This action constitutes a serious violation of our professional ethics, damages our independence and can lead to disciplinary actions, up to dismissal. Journalists also need to consider how hospitable they are to sources. Clearly, in the exercise of our work, we must invite lunch or offer drinks to our sources, and encourage our journalists to do so. This welcome, however, should not go beyond the limits of normal and balanced hospitality and must comply with Reuters’ policy towards corruption and gifts. Reuters does not use gifts of value, in cash or in kind, to influence sources. In most countries, government officials or managers of state-owned enterprises are also subject to limitations as regards incentives, including non-monetary, which they can accept in the exercise of their duties. An illegal proposal may also expose Reuters and its collaborators to administrative penalties or detention. Before offering a gift, even if of symbolic value, journalists must inquire about the restrictions in force and request the approval of their manager. The prohibition to offer or pay compensation and incentives, even to government officials, may have exceptions but very limited, which concern only very specific circumstances, such as the risk for physical safety and payments made simply to speed up or facilitate an administrative procedure. Such payments should generally be limited in size and must be accurately indicated in the expense report and other documents. Journalists must request the approval of their manager, who must refer the matter to the competent superior and communicate all approved payments to the Head of the Reuters legal department, unless circumstances require an immediate decision, in which case the journalist is required to act in the spirit of these directives.
Independence within Reuters
The Trust Principles and the Board of Trustees exist to guarantee Reuters independence and also the editorial independence of journalists within it. We do not write pieces, take photos or shoot events to facilitate the conclusion of a sales contract, nor change our perspective on a company, government or institution to accommodate Reuters’ commercial interests. The company does not request these behaviors from editorial staff. Instead, it demands that, with a serious journalistic evaluation, we produce pieces and images that are accurate, fair and balanced. If a colleague outside the editorial office argues arguably that a piece is unbalanced or incorrect, we have a duty to take this criticism into consideration.
Participation in competitions and collection of prizes
Reuters encourages its collaborators to submit high-quality work, whether it be texts, photographs or videos, to journalism awards given by respected and selfless organizations. However, it must be ensured that these documents do not conflict with Reuters Trust Principles or editorial guidelines. Employees can submit journalistic work produced for Reuters at an award with the approval of their manager. The same authorization is necessary to collect the prizes awarded without having submitted any request, as well as to accept an invitation to participate in a jury as a Reuters journalist. No work performed for Reuters, be it texts, photographs or videos, should be produced for the main purpose of participating in a prize, nor should it be modified, except to comply with the competition rules (for example, the presentation in Word format). Generally, the request to submit works produced for Reuters to prizes, including in cash, approved by respected professional organizations active in journalism, photography, television and graphic arts is approved. The same can be said for the authorization to participate in the jury for such prizes. However, approval is not granted to register their work with prizes awarded by companies, institutes, lobbies, governments, associations or political parties and pressure groups that act in an interested manner and whose intentions in awarding the prize could be interpreted as a attempt to influence the impartiality and setting of the award-winning work or Reuters activity. Any prize not required for work done for Reuters must be immediately communicated by the recipient to a manager, who must evaluate the matter according to the spirit of these principles. Unsolicited prizes awarded by respected groups for the defense of freedom of expression or by official institutions that recognize a journalist’s contribution to civil society in a manner that cannot be construed as interested will be considered favorably.
Impartiality
Reuters would not be Reuters without its impartiality. We are a “stateless” news agency that welcomes pluralism in the editorial office, but asks all staff to leave their nationality and political beliefs outside. This neutrality, which is the distinctive feature of our journalism, allows us to consider all aspects of a matter, a conflict or a dispute by aiming only to provide a fair and accurate report. This is a quality for which we are esteemed by our customers, as well as by our sources, and which we must all strive to safeguard.
Report all points of view, without taking sides
As Reuters journalists, we never identify with anyone involved in a matter, conflict or dispute. Our texts and images must reflect all aspects, not just one. This allows us to create better journalism, because at every stage of our work we have to stop and ask ourselves: “What do I already know? What else should I find out?”. In a takeover bid, for example, it must be clear that the target of the acquisition must be given the opportunity to declare its position. Similarly, at least two points of view should always be considered in a political dispute or in a military conflict. If we do not guarantee adequate space for the various parties involved, we run the risk of appearing lined up. This objectivity does not translate into always reserving the same space for all parties. The perpetrator of a heinous crime or the leader of a political group understandably deserves less space than the victims or the major political parties. However, we must strive to always be scrupulously impartial and balanced. An accusation should not be presented as a fact, an accusation should not be interpreted as a sign of guilt. We have the right duty to give the protagonists of these news the opportunity to present their point of view. We must also avoid choosing words in a partisan way. Expressions such as “Tizio claims” or “as reported by Gaius” may suggest that we doubt what is being said. Concepts such as “fear, fear” or “hope” may suggest that we are taking sides. Verbs such as “refuting” or “contradicting” can imply an editorial judgment and should be avoided. Reflecting on language can only improve the way we write and journalism.
Opinions and analysis
Reuters journalists never express their opinions in articles, video or radio and television comments, nor in blogs or chat rooms in which they can participate in the exercise of their work. Any deviation from this fundamental principle risks eroding the enormous patrimony of credibility that, over the years, Reuters has accumulated towards readers and citizens. This principle applies to any type of news that Reuters deals with, financial or news, in any language or form. This does not mean that in our pieces there is no place for the opinions of other people: very often they form an integral part of it and are fundamental to allow the reader or viewer to understand the meaning of the news and their consequences. For this, the opinions reported must be authoritative and must be attributed to a cited source. We risk falling into partisan journalism if we allow an anonymous source to declare, for example: “I believe that the revenues of company X are destined for strong growth and I expect that in the next half of the year its title will score an increase of 20 per one hundred”. In this case we cannot defend ourselves in any way from the accusation of promoting a title by doing the interests of the anonymous source, which can hold a substantial interest in society. Instead, we take precautions if we write: “I believe that the revenues of company X are destined for strong growth and I expect that in the next half of the year its title will score an increase of 20 percent,” said Joe Mo,
Analysis is a valuable part of our journalistic activity. Whether it’s a news spot or a full article, the analysis provides a useful insight into events or issues and can provide a new illuminating perspective without neglecting our principles or our commitment to be impartial. The professional judgment of the writer plays an important role in the analysis, although we must be careful not to slip into the realm of personal opinions. A well-made analysis is corroborated by secure facts and available data and is based on the experience of the writer, as well as on the use of cited sources. The analysis does not necessarily have to reflect a general consensus, and can indeed question it, as some excellent examples demonstrate.
Discriminatory expressions and stereotypes
We must avoid inappropriate references to gender, ethnic origin, religion, cultural aspect and sexual orientation. When a piece is based on such references, we should ask ourselves if it is actually worthy of Reuters. A Reuters journalist must be sensitive to unconscious stereotypes and dated prejudices. Is it really surprising that the subject of a news story is black, blonde, female, overweight or gay? If it is relevant, should this fact be reported in the first paragraph or simply mentioned in the following article? Our language should be neutral and natural. When referring to professional groups, expressions in the plural such as “managers” and “journalists” are preferable to expressions that imply an exclusion of women. We should avoid free references to appearance or clothing, while recognizing those situations in which these details are relevant. As journalists, we must resist the temptation to think that our cultural values, our religious beliefs and our social habits are the norm. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Given that some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. appearance or clothing, while recognizing those situations in which these details are relevant. As journalists, we must resist the temptation to think that our cultural values, our religious beliefs and our social habits are the norm. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Given that some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. appearance or clothing, while recognizing those situations in which these details are relevant. As journalists, we must resist the temptation to think that our cultural values, our religious beliefs and our social habits are the norm. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Given that some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. As journalists, we must resist the temptation to think that our cultural values, our religious beliefs and our social habits are the norm. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Since some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. As journalists, we must resist the temptation to think that our cultural values, our religious beliefs and our social habits are the norm. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Since some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Given that some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’. We should also look suspiciously at national stereotypes, that is, usually negative ideas about the character of a country, which can be offensive. References to national stereotypes can be effective in certain well-balanced pieces, but we should always proceed with caution, even when we try to question or fight prejudice. Given that some readers have indicated the term ‘color’ as inaccurate, we will use ‘black’.
Investment advice
It is forbidden to express a personal opinion in one piece on the merits of a particular investment. The value judgments on the investments expressed in an article must contain the reference to a third party who must be appointed. Local legislation also affects our journalism. Reuters publishes news, does not provide investment advice, which is also barred from law in several countries. Reuters journalists must also refrain from providing investment advice to clients and / or readers who solicit it by any means, including by telephone, letter, fax or e-mail. Articles on Reuters We must be very careful to avoid any suspicion of bias when we write an article about the Reuters group, making sure to stick to the facts.
Political and social activity
Reuters, according to its Code of Conduct, does not support – directly or indirectly – any political party or group, nor does it take sides in any national or international dispute or conflict. In accordance with this principle, it is prohibited to associate the name of Reuters with any party or political group or any other party involved in such conflicts or disputes. There is no place in our editorial offices for demonstrations of political affiliation or for support for a partisan cause. No member of the editorial staff, whether a journalist or auxiliary staff, may wear brooches, badges or other clothing containing political slogans on the job, nor distribute or post posters, posters, brochures and other political material in the workplace. .
Individuals are expected to make decisions based on common sense, the Trust Principles and the values of impartial journalism whether to make donations to certain charitable works or to engage in the work of their community. Although a conflict of interest is unlikely to occur, anyone with any doubts can turn to their manager. The same principles apply to any doubts about a possible perception of conflict that might arise from the activities of a close family member.
Equal opportunities in the editorial office
Reuters undertakes to treat its employees fairly, regardless of gender, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, age, handicap, paternity / maternity, marital status and sexual orientation. Qualified collaborators are considered for all job positions regardless of the aspects listed above. The selection of collaborators for entry into the company, as well as for training, professional development and advancement, must be determined exclusively by the skills and other qualifications necessary for the job, in compliance with the legislation of the country.
Pluralism in the editorial office
Reuters recognizes, appreciates and encourages a pluralistic working environment. In addition to the diversity of sex and ethnic origins, the company considers a wide range of backgrounds in terms of experience and knowledge as part of its selection and development policy. If in our editorial offices there is no room for politics, we open the doors to pluralism instead. In fact, we welcome the perspectives, skills and considerations brought to our journalistic debate by the diversity of gender, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, education, age, civil and family status, traditions and culture. Pluralism enriches our activity and, in the context of the discussion and exchange of ideas that contribute to giving life to a better journalism, there is
Media interviews and public speaking
Sometimes Reuters staff are invited by radio and television broadcasters or print media and give interviews, often through our media relations office. We encourage our journalists to manifest their skills in this way. Listed below are the principles which those wishing to be interviewed must comply with.
- Any interview must be approved in advance by the journalist’s manager.
- Interviews with Reuters internal services, such as RVN (Reuters Video News), take precedence.
- The request must come from a newspaper or a credible radio and television broadcaster, which would hardly use it for propaganda purposes.
- Correspondents should not release personal opinions and largely follow what has been published by Reuters.
- Correspondents should not declare anything that would create controversy, embarrass Reuters, damage our reputation for objectivity and impartiality, as well as limit our journalistic activity or endanger personnel.
- We must be convinced that the correspondent is an experienced and trusted collaborator, who will act with responsibility and discretion.
- Only short interviews are allowed, which take little time from correspondents and do not interrupt their activity.
- No compensation must be requested. If one is paid, we recommend that you send it to a charity of your choice.
Reuters editors experienced in a particular field can also give speeches on their area of expertise at seminars, conferences and other forums with the approval of their manager. In this case, conditions similar to those in force for media interviews apply. Staff must also ensure that the organizers ‘credentials are such that they do not affect Reuters’ reputation for integrity, independence and impartiality. Editors need a manager’s permission to speak publicly or with other media about our editorial or business activity. If another newspaper asks us questions about our policies (editorial or business), work issues or articles and images that could cause controversy,
Integrity
Integrity requires that we observe the ethical principles of our profession and the values encoded in the Reuters Trust Principles. All employees have a duty to maintain Reuters’ excellent reputation with everyone they come into contact with. Those who enter Reuters are called to accept certain responsibilities, to follow acceptable professional standards regarding personal behavior and to exhibit a high level of personal integrity at all times. When we work outside our country, we must take into account the current legislation and regulations and act by showing respect for local culture and customs.
Respect for the law
One of the fundamental objectives that we set ourselves in Reuters is to respect all the laws, rules and principles of behavior to which we are subject in the various countries in which we operate. When we collect information, we must make sure that this is done in a legal and correct way. The theft of data and documents, the violation of domicile, electronic and telephone interception, computer piracy, as well as the violation of passwords and other website security systems are illegal and must be avoided in the exercise of our work. Obviously it is more than legitimate to have information from the web when it is public.
In extremely rare circumstances, it may happen that, due to the presence of a predominant public interest in the dissemination of news, we can consider the commission of acts that could be considered illegal. In such cases it is necessary that all legal avenues have been tried to obtain the necessary information. The decision to exceed this limit must be made by the top management, after consulting the Reuters legal department. For a complete discussion of the legal dangers, refer to the section of this manual LEGAL DANGERS,
Identify us as journalists
Reuters reporters do not deceive news. We always identify ourselves as Reuters contributors. We never assume an identity other than that of a journalist, nor do we pretend to belong to other newspapers. In some circumstances, in the interest of finding news, it may be appropriate to let circulate the hypotheses that can be put forward about our identity. Staff are required to decide how to behave based on the common sense and spirit of our Code of Conduct. However, if prompted, we must identify ourselves as Reuters journalists.
Information taken from the Internet
We believe in aggressive journalism in all its forms, including the field of journalism supported by IT tools, but we firmly reject illegal behavior. Telematic journalism consists simply in applying the good principles of journalism – sources, identification and verifications – to the sometimes unusual situations that arise in the virtual world. Apply the same precautions online that you would take searching for other types of information and do not use any news obtained from the Internet if the source does not allow you to verify its origin. Call or confirm the information in person before publishing it. Journalists who use the Internet must become familiar with the procedures and advice contained in the section of the manual INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERNET.
Insider trading
Insider trading is the buying and selling of securities of any company (including Reuters) when you have significant confidential information. Bitcoin is the disclosure of wrong information for the sole purpose of influencing market prices. It is guilty of insider trading who, having confidential information about a company, purchases or sells securities or provides third parties with information on the basis of which they decide to buy, sell or hold securities. Anyone who deliberately influences the market with false information is guilty of manipulation. Insider trading and trading are two crimes in Italy. Reuters prohibits its staff from insider trading and / or the disclosure of INCORRECT information that could have a negative or positive impact on the listing of Reuters shares, as well as on the shares and securities of any other company. These behaviors are just cause of dismissal. We must avoid not only incorrectness, but also any semblance of incorrectness. The information is considered confidential until it has been disclosed to the public (by a prominent newspaper or press agency, in a public statement submitted to a regulatory body or in documents sent to shareholders) and until the market he did not have time to absorb the news and react to it. It must be assumed that the information obtained in the performance of the job duties for Reuters is confidential.
We and the sources
We must treat the sources by behaving with education and professional equity. Our relationship with sources regarding gifts, travel and opportunities resulting from inside information is governed by the Reuters Code of Conduct. We encourage our collaborators to take care of the sources, but we also expect them to be aware of the need to maintain a certain detachment. We must not look after the sources of a part of the matter, nor tie ourselves to them to the point where there is reason to doubt that the relationship has gone beyond the limits of a normal professional relationship. While it is advisable to be courteous to sources, even outside of working hours, spending a good part of their free time regularly with them can generate potential conflict or a perception of partiality. To assess the correctness of the relationship, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if you spent as much time with another source of the adverse party. If in doubt, ask your manager for advice. A sentimental or family connection with a journalistic source or with a person who could be the object of the work of a colleague must be communicated to the responsible manager. Furthermore, collaborators cannot work on pieces concerning family members, nor quote them, to avoid a perception of favoritism or partiality. A sentimental or family connection with a journalistic source or with a person who could be the object of the work of a colleague must be communicated to the responsible manager. Furthermore, collaborators cannot work on pieces concerning family members, nor quote them, to avoid a perception of favoritism or partiality. A sentimental or family connection with a journalistic source or with a person who could be the object of the work of a colleague must be communicated to the responsible manager. Furthermore, collaborators cannot work on pieces concerning family members, nor quote them, to avoid a perception of favoritism or partiality.
We and the customers
Many of our customers are often our journalistic sources or the protagonists of our news. Our relationship with these must be governed by the professional behavior that should distinguish journalists. In our customer relations it is essential that, when we are contacted with questions regarding our agency or service, we act with courtesy, availability and attention. In our journalistic relations with customers, we must also pay attention to the clear distinction that separates the editorial and commercial functions of Reuters. While we can discuss journalistic issues or the information features of our products, journalists should not negotiate commercial contracts with existing or potential customers.
We and the people
The reputation for accurate and balanced journalism is one of our greatest strengths. We must not shy away from painful realities, but we must also try to minimize any damage that our actions can cause to the people involved. Our pieces have a profound impact on the news subjects. In extreme cases, their life or reputation may depend on our journalistic activity. When dealing with people, Reuters reporters:
- avoid pain and free offenses;
- treat victims with sensitivity;
- they keep away from gossip about the private lives of public figures;
- they avoid sensationalism and exaggerations;
- they look for clear and unambiguous facts reports;
- they are on guard against pressure and other forms of media manipulation.
- they are aware of the stereotypes and partiality in which we journalists can also incur.
When dealing with people, a Reuters journalist demonstrates integrity, impartiality, determination, a sense of responsibility and humility. By applying these principles, we should be able to defend a piece against ourselves, our sources and readers.
We and the competition
In Reuters, we compete decisively to get first and better on the news. But at the same time, we compete fairly, without hindering competition. We want information about our competitors, but we must make sure that the way we procure them, share them and use them is not illegal or illegal. We recognize when rivals get exclusive news that interests our customers, attributing it to them when we report it, as we expect them to do with us. We do not “come to terms” with the competition to report on an event, to exchange material or to disclose information about our editorial and corporate policies and activities to our rivals. If circumstances justify it, we must cooperate when this would reduce the risks to physical safety or when the access to an event is limited and sharing information and images is in everyone’s interest. We can also collaborate with our competitors on issues of common interest, such as staff safety, national legislation and other legal and legitimate actions to protect press freedom.
We and the complaints
Reuters aims not to make mistakes and to report the facts in a balanced way.b This is not an empty phrase but a fundamental point for attracting and keeping readers and customers. When it happens that we are wrong, it is important for our reputation to remedy it. Responding promptly and adequately to complaints that accuse us of lack of accuracy, balance or professional ethics can avoid costly legal problems or negative publicity. Criticisms, wherever they come from – a source, a customer, a reader, a colleague from another department of Reuters – must be examined promptly so that if they prove to be well founded, immediate corrective measures will be taken. It is also necessary to give feedback also to the letters which cannot be answered immediately for any reason. The management of the correspondence office or of the desk takes care of these complaints. When you respond to protest letters, remember at all times that attitude is paramount. If you get angry or appear too hostile, the person who lodged the complaint can only be more determined and less willing to listen to what we have to say. It may be helpful to try to interpret the message as constructive criticism.
We and the authorities
Any request to deliver published or unpublished material (e.g. tapes, records, copies of articles, photographs, journalists’ notes or other reference material) from institutions such as the police, security forces and courts, as well as from lawyers or individuals involved in criminal or civil proceedings it must be communicated to a Senior editor, who in turn will notify the legal department. We have a duty to report the truth, to challenge censorship and to communicate news of public interest. Reuters does not voluntarily deliver published or unpublished material to the authorities. If appropriate, we reserve the right to hear appeals provided by law against injunctions or court orders that seek to force us to disclose such materials. This is necessary to safeguard the security of Reuters staff and our reputation for independence and impartiality. All original tapes and discs and photographs, as well as other similar materials such as audiotapes, cd-dvds and other media and notes related to sensitive situations – such as riots and killings – that may have aftermath in court, must be sent immediately to London for be kept safe. UK event materials are expected to be sent to New York. In responding to requests for material, distinguish between those concerning published or unpublished material. Even in the case of published material, all requests must be addressed to the responsible director. Obviously these cautions concern the authorities that carry out any investigations.
Between us
Teamwork, critical to Reuters’ success, is one of our greatest strengths. Common planning and collaboration between staff from all disciplines – news, photojournalism, television and graphics – are not only desirable, but necessary to take full advantage of our position. In Reuters we share ideas, non-confidential contacts and the burden of news coverage. Reuters upholds the right of every employee to contribute constructive ideas, suggestions and criticisms to our business and the way we work. The company also recognizes that every employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, intimidation and offensive behavior, in which each episode of harassment is resolved without retaliation or breach of confidentiality. Staff should feel free to raise concerns about principles and ethics, reporting any violation of our standards to their manager without fear of retaliation. We trust that all collaborators will take responsibility for respecting our standards by treating all candidates, colleagues, external and temporary collaborators, and any other individual who has relations with Reuters with dignity and respect.
Incident reporting
Among the duties of those responsible, the internal reporting of serious accidents concerning, for example, damage or risks to personnel, significant problems related to pieces or images, the attempted dissemination of unfounded news and accusations of illegal conduct, plays an important role . Employees who become aware of these incidents must communicate them to their manager. Reporting them is essential to keep management aware of situations that may affect staff and company activities or that could be embarrassing for Reuters or damage the company’s reputation. A report – for example the attempted dissemination of groundless news – from a location can also be a warning to those responsible in other parts of the world. Finally, we must be able to identify any trends and, if a certain dynamic is detected, take the necessary precautions, rather than treating each “accident” as an isolated episode. Managers should familiarize themselves with the advice contained in the section of this manual. HOW TO ADDRESS THREATS, HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS AND ACCIDENTS REGARDING REUTERS OR YOUR PERSONNEL Free time Please refer to our Code of Conduct at rather than treating each “accident” as an isolated episode. Managers should familiarize themselves with the advice contained in the section of this manual. HOW TO ADDRESS THREATS, HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS AND ACCIDENTS REGARDING REUTERS OR YOUR PERSONNEL Free time Please refer to our Code of Conduct at rather than treating each “accident” as an isolated episode. Managers should familiarize themselves with the advice contained in the section of this manual. HOW TO ADDRESS THREATS, HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS AND ACCIDENTS REGARDING REUTERS OR YOUR PERSONNEL Free time Please refer to our Code of Conduct athttp://www.ime.reuters.com/doclib/$/199/6309/codeofconduct.pdf
The REUTERS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS CODE allows staff to occasionally use email and other communication tools, including the Internet, for private purposes. As members of the editorial team, however, we have a responsibility to avoid any possible confusion between our professional activities and our private interests or our personal opinions. For example, the disclosure of political views and investment advice in messages sent from corporate addresses to external addresses violates our Code of Conduct, in that it identifies Reuters with a cause or position. Non-compliance is punished with disciplinary sanctions which also include dismissal.
It may happen that there may be a perception of a conflict of interest also in other circumstances. For example, a reporter dealing with the energy industry would be wrong to send a claim to his electricity company for a wrong bill from Reuters’ email system. Employees who have any doubts about what should be sent to Reuters’ e-mail systems should, as a precaution, use a private e-mail address or consult their manager. Staff should not use the company stationery for private purposes. Employees do not have to use their Reuters badges or their position as a journalist to obtain discounts and benefits that are not also available to others.
Exceptions are, for example, the discounts and exemptions stipulated by the company for all staff or the discounts that are usually reserved for all journalists in a specific country. Even in this case, however, the editorial staff should recognize the possibility that a conflict of interest is perceived and, in case of doubts, they must consult their manager. It may be acceptable, for example, for a photographer to get a discount for journalists on a particular brand of car, but a correspondent who works in the automotive industry must first consult a manager. Often, in such cases, the best advice is to rely on common sense.
