Code of Ethics
At Asia Post, we believe that an informed public is the foundation of justice and democracy. To uphold this principle, Asia Post follows the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) as the cornerstone of our journalism. Every member of our newsroom is committed to executing their duties with honesty, transparency, and impartiality. The four core principles established by the SPJ form the foundation of our journalistic standards.
1. Seek Truth and Report It
Responsible journalism demands accuracy and fairness. Journalists at Asia Post must be honest, uncompromising, and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information.
Our journalists must:
- Accuracy & Verification: Take personal responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify all information before publication and, whenever possible, rely on primary sources. Neither the speed of reporting nor the publishing format ever excuses inaccurate reporting.
- Context & Continuity: Provide the correct context for every news story. Ensure that summaries or headlines do not oversimplify, misrepresent, or distort the facts. Gather, update, and correct information throughout the lifecycle of a news story.
- Source Attribution & Protection: Clearly identify sources to allow the public to evaluate their credibility. Grant anonymity only to sources who face genuine physical threat, retaliation, or severe harm, and whose information cannot be obtained through other means. The reason for granting anonymity must be explained in the report.
- Right of Reply: Give individuals or institutions subject to criticism or allegations a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond.
- Avoid Covert Methods: Refrain from undercover or covert information-gathering techniques unless the information is of critical public interest and traditional, open journalistic methods have been exhausted.
- Accountability & Representation: Be vigilant in holding those in power accountable and act as a voice for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
- Respect for Dissent: Encourage constructive and respectful debate, even when representing views that differ from our own.
- Public Scrutiny: Actively monitor public institutions and governance. Ensure that matters of public interest remain transparent and that public records are accessible.
- No Plagiarism: Never plagiarize. Always credit and attribute sources appropriately.
2. Minimize Harm
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues, and members of the public with respect and dignity. Our journalists must balance the pursuit of news with the preservation of personal privacy and sensitivity.
Our journalists must:
- Public Need vs. Personal Privacy: Balance the public's right to know against potential harm or unwarranted discomfort. The pursuit of a story does not justify arrogance or intrusive behavior into private lives.
- Compassion for Vulnerable Subjects: Exercise heightened sensitivity when dealing with children, victims of sexual crimes, or individuals unable to provide informed consent.
- Legal vs. Ethical Rights: Recognize that having a legal right to acquire information does not automatically mean there is an ethical justification to publish it.
- Protecting Private Citizens: Understand that private individuals have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures or those seeking power, influence, or public attention.
- Preserving a Fair Trial: Avoid reporting that prejudices a suspect’s right to a fair trial. Refrain from identifying criminal suspects before formal legal charges are filed.
3. Act Independently
The primary and highest obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public independently.
Our journalists must:
- Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Steer clear of any real or perceived conflicts of interest. Any unavoidable conflict must be disclosed immediately to the editorial board.
- Refuse Gifts and Favors: Reject gifts, financial benefits, free travel, honorary treatments, or personal favors. Avoid outside political or social activities that could compromise journalistic integrity, impartiality, or credibility.
- No Paid News: Never pay for news or information. Be cautious of sources offering information in exchange for favors, and clearly identify any content received from external contributors.
- Resist Pressure: Refuse preferential treatment to advertisers, donors, or special interest groups. Resist both internal and external pressures attempting to influence editorial decisions.
- Maintain Editorial Boundaries: Keep a clear and visible distinction between news reporting and sponsored or advertising content.
4. Be Accountable and Transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and being transparent with the public regarding editorial decisions.
Our journalists must:
- Explain Editorial Choices: Explain the ethical decisions and processes behind our reporting. Encourage constructive dialogue with the public regarding our journalism and coverage.
- Respond to Public Concerns: Address questions regarding accuracy, fairness, and transparency promptly.
- Acknowledge and Rectify Errors: Acknowledge mistakes immediately and correct them clearly and prominently through standard correction notes.
- Expose Unethical Conduct: Expose unethical behavior within the journalism profession, including any misconduct within our own organization.
- Uphold Equal Standards: Hold ourselves to the same rigorous standards that we expect from others.
