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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ethics code targets conflicts of interest

Becky Tallent Staff writer

Journalists are usually described as calloused; however, there is one area in which any thinking journalist will immediately become thin-skinned: allegations of a conflict of interest.

Name the journalistic code of ethics and there will be something about making sure to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest while covering the news.

The Spokesman-Review’s own code specifically states that reporters and editors with a conflict should discuss with an editor any issue involving themselves or family members. This allows for alternatives, including reassignment. Failure to disclose conflicts leads to distortion of the news, plus dissolution of the public’s trust in the journalists and the news outlet involved.

That is why it was so distressing last week to hear a rumor of a reported conflict of interest involving a North Idaho S-R reporter.

While following up on another issue, a potential conflict of interest involving natural resources and energy reporter Becky Kramer was brought to my attention. According to the rumor, Kramer owns a vacation condo on Silver Mountain, making her a land holder in an area where she covers contentious environmental issues which involve local property owners. If true, this is a very serious allegation that could cost the 20-year veteran reporter a reprimand, a transfer or her job.

A quick phone call to the Shoshone County property records office verified there is no property in the county owned by R. or Rebecca Kramer. Journalists have known for years to make these calls. Citizens can do it too: in Idaho, the phone number for Shoshone County records is (208) 752-1202. Kootenani County records are online at www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/ mapping/mapsearch.

“I view this as a good opportunity to talk about conflict of interest or the appearance of such,” Kramer said. “I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight and clear up any confusion.”

She said The Spokesman-Review’s code of ethics is clear about conflict of interest, and as a former business reporter, she is very careful about any perception that she might be biased in any fashion.

“No one in my immediate or extended family owns property in the Silver Valley or has financial interests there,” Kramer said. “I’m single, so I don’t have a spouse or in-laws. Most of my family lives in the Portland/Vancouver area, where I grew up. My dad’s a retired professor. My siblings are teachers. We aren’t involved in any type of real estate development or mining activity.”

There is a news staff member who does own a vacation home on Silver Mountain. Alison Boggs said when she was business editor she repeatedly excused herself from editing any articles involving the Silver Valley and she will not write a story that exclusively features the mountain or the community, because she owns property in the area.

“When I was Becky’s editor, I referred those stories she wrote (about Silver Valley) to another editor because I do own a condo up there,” Boggs said.

Another rumor was that Kramer holds stock in several of the mining companies she covers. She referred back to her previous position as a business reporter. Kramer is the listed agent of record on three shares of stock (one share in three different companies) that are owned by the S-R’s news department.

It is a standard practice in the news industry for business reporters or their papers to purchase one share of stock in companies where it is difficult for reporters to gain access to information. One share will allow a reporter to gain access to all the financial information a company is required by federal law to distribute among shareholders plus shareholder meetings that might otherwise be closed to the news media.

This, too, is acceptable under the company’s code of ethics, which states: “Neither staff members nor correspondents should own stock in any business they cover except for minimal share ownership acquired in order to have access to stockholders’ meetings.”

Most of us who have been longtime journalists do not take such allegations personally. It is not uncommon for most readers to simply not understand the reporting process or the fact that journalists work to avoid all real and potential conflicts of interests.

What is important for Spokesman-Review readers to know is that the paper’s management takes these issues seriously. Any reader who hears such a rumor or has a question about a potential conflict of interest should contact editor Steve Smith, managing editor Gary Graham or assistant managing editors Ryan Pitts (online), Carla Savalli (local news) or Geoff Pinnock (design and presentation) at (509) 459-5400.

Becky Tallent is the ombudsman for The Spokesman-Review. She holds a doctorate of education in mass communications from Oklahoma State University and is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Media at the University of Idaho. Readers can contact her at ombudsman@spokesman.com or write to her at Ombudsman, care of the editorial page, The Spokesman-Review, 999 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201. Her column appears monthly on this page.