Getting closer to the revised ethics code

There’s another ethics code draft out for internal review, from S-R newsroom’s ethics code revision team. The revision process began last year, facilitated by Whitworth journalism prof Gordon Jackson.

This latest copy includes input from newsroom staffers during discussion workshops, written notes, spoken word.

Some of the noticeable differences are in making the terminology more consistent across different sections, and in paying special attention to ethically complicated subjects such as the Web - which is so new, we don’t know what to do with it, dear.

Most importantly, the draft communicates across readerships and doesn’t just aim for insiders who speak the jargon - but it’s in plain English for the upcoming public consideration and scrutiny.

We’re getting closer. When the Code goes public, you’ll be able to download a copy here on DB.

Some of the discussion questions during ethics code revision last year , from workshops or conversations with staffers:

• Is anything missing?
• Is the language clear and consistent?
• Does it allow room for different publishing platforms/ growth in different publishing platforms?
• Will it cause legal problems?
• Will it last a long time? Will it need to be revised again?
• Does it present our ultimate values? Act as a road map? Effectively guide our decisions?