Media Outlet Hong Kong Free Press Date of first publication 20/02/2024 Date of Latest Change 20/02/2024
12. Responsibility for Sources
A Media Outlet shall ensure that the sources used for its journalism are dealt with responsibly and their anonymity protected when justified.
12.1. Anonymity
The procedures for granting anonymity to sources shall be covered by the Editorial Guidelines. The reason for anonymity should be clarified for the public.
Are there guidelines on the procedures to be followed for granting anonymity to sources?
YesAre the reasons for granting anonymity made clear to the public?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Publicly disclosed, clear policy, here: https://hongkongfp.com/hkfp-code-ethics/#Anonymity We even include a special box in pieces with unnamed sources to explain why such anonymity was granted.
12.2. Privacy Rights
Editorial guidelines should protect the privacy rights of individuals and their safety.
Are there guidelines to ensure that the privacy rights and safety of individuals are protected in your journalistic activity?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Our Guiding Principles state: "HKFP staff and freelancers do not use subterfuge or manipulation to gather news, nor violate privacy. An editor may, however, approve an undercover investigation in light of safety reasons or the public interest. We will identify ourselves as HKFP journalists unless in exceptional, pre-approved circumstances or if there is a risk to safety."
12.3. Independence and Sources
There should be guidelines on establishing relations with sources which protect the independence of the journalism.
Are there guidelines to ensure the independence of journalism relative to the sources for content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
References to independent journalism are embedded throughout our Ethics & Policy guidelines, with a special section on how we deal with conflicts, sources and hospitality: https://hongkongfp.com/hkfp-code-ethics/#Hospitality
12.4. Diversity of Sources
Editorial guidelines should ensure that a diversity of sources are consulted in producing journalistic content with adequate time for response.
Do the guidelines ensure that a diversity of sources is used in the production of your journalistic content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
We refer to our "output" in our Diversity Statement: https://hongkongfp.com/hkfp-code-ethics/#diversity-statement to ensure sources come from a variety of backgrounds.