Trombly Ltd. Code of Ethics

All full-time, part-time and freelance researchers, writers and editors must agree to abide by the following tenets. Those who are suspected of violating these principles will be investigated and previous work subjected to additional fact-checking, if necessary. If a violation is found to have occurred, the employee will be immediately dismissed for cause. In addition, when the violation impacts work already submitted, corrections will be filed to all the affected publications and on this website.

Microsft Word version (to print and sign)

Seek Truth and Report It

I will be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

I agree to:

• Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
• Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
• Always question sources motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
• Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story
• Never plagiarize.
• Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
• Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
• Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

Act Independently

I will be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

I agree to:

• Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
• Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
• Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
• Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
• Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
• Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
• Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

I will be accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

I agree to:

• Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
• Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
• Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

Microsft Word version (to print and sign)