At Open Vallejo, integrity is foundational. The community has entrusted us to tell the truth in the public interest, and we take this responsibility seriously. We expect all employees, board members, contractors, volunteers and publishing partners to adhere to the highest standards of ethics, fairness and honesty. Each person affiliated with this newsroom, whether permanently or on a freelance basis, is expected to uphold these standards, as well as to help us build a work environment that is respectful, collegial and just.

Our work is guided at all times by the principles set forth in the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.


Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics

Preamble

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.

The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.

Seek Truth and Report It

Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

Act Independently

The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.

Journalists should:

Be Accountable and Transparent

Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.

Journalists should: