Media Outlet The Colorado Sun Legal Entity The Colorado Sun Date of first publication 17/11/2022 Date of Latest Change 20/11/2024
9. Accountability for Journalism Principles
9.1. Editorial Guidelines
A Media Outlet shall produce a set of Editorial Guidelines or adhere to an external set of guidelines (for example the Model Editorial Guidelines provided as a reference document to this Standard), to which its journalistic operations comply. They should govern meaningful principles of journalistic content, dissemination and conduct. These guidelines, and the identity of the person or group of persons with ultimate responsibility for them within its organisation, shall be made available to the public in a readily accessible and understandable form. Best practice is to have these guidelines available publicly rather than on request.
Does your Media Outlet have a set of guidelines, or adhere to an external set of guidelines, for journalistic content, distribution and conduct to which its journalistic operations comply?
YesAre they made available to the public in a readily accessible form?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://coloradosun.com/ethics/
Is there a person or a group of persons responsible for these guidelines clearly identified?
No9.2. Purpose of Guidelines
A Media Outlet shall ensure that these Editorial Guidelines set clear expectations of the behaviour it requires from its own staff, its contractors and from all other contributors to its editorial content. It should also set out the structure of responsibility within the organisation, making sure it is clear who is accountable for each stage of the process that leads to publication.
Do the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines set clear expectations for the behaviour for all the contributors, including editorial staff (journalists, editors) and all other contributors?
YesDo the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines make clear the structure of editorial responsibility for each stage of the publication process within the organisation?
Yes9.3. Guidelines and Journalism Principles
A Media Outlet shall ensure that these Editorial Guidelines embody the core ethical principles of journalism. The Editorial Guidelines may impose specific requirements in addition to these core ethical principles; but any additional requirements shall not compromise these core ethical principles as described in the Preamble of this document.
Do your Editorial Guidelines include requirements for Accuracy (as prescribed in the Preamble) in your output?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://coloradosun.com/ethics/
Do they include requirements for Independence (as prescribed in the Preamble) of editorial decision making?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://coloradosun.com/ethics/
Do they include requirements of Fairness (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of journalism?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://coloradosun.com/ethics/
Do they include requirements for Accountability (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of its journalism?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://coloradosun.com/ethics/
9.4. Conflicts of Interest
Editorial Guidelines shall ensure that there are no conflicts of interests – real, potential or perceived – damaging the integrity of the story or the editorial independence of those working on it. They should have guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to political, business and personal interests. Editorial structures should protect the journalism from any undue influence by the Media Outlet’s executive management or ownership authorities outside the formal editorial process and from any external interests, commercial, social or political.
Do your Editorial Guidelines include protections against real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Conflicts of interest
… in personal relationships
There should never be a reason to suspect that we are using our journalism to benefit people close to us. Our journalists must refrain as much as possible from reporting on issues in which their immediate family members or close friends have a financial or advocacy interest. Our journalists are not allowed to report stories directly about organizations that employ their spouse or partner, their parents or their children.
Journalists are also not allowed to report on organizations where they volunteer or advocacy organizations to which they belong. This does not apply to general religious or other broad affiliations. (For instance, a reporter who is Catholic is allowed to report on the Catholic Church as long as the reporter’s coverage upholds our standards of impartiality and fairness.)
Journalists must tell an editor of potential conflicts of interest, so that the editor can decide if it is appropriate for the journalist to cover certain issues.
If there’s a doubt, we talk it out among the staff.
If a conflict is unavoidable, the conflict should be disclosed within the text of a story along with an explanation for why the conflict did not influence the coverage of the story.
Our journalists are also encouraged to share details of their lives and backgrounds in their biographies on The Colorado Sun’s website, so that readers can gain a better understanding of the interests and experiences that shape their coverage.
… in financial affairs
Just as we never use our journalism to benefit those closest to us, we also never use our journalism to swell our bank accounts via outside investments. Colorado Sun journalists must never report on businesses in which they or their immediate family members knowingly hold a financial interest. Our journalists are allowed to put money into widely held investments, such as mutual funds, as well as in companies that they do not cover. But they must never use pre-publication information they gained in reporting a story to make a profit or limit a loss in an investment.
They must also never write a story for the purpose of influencing a company’s stock price.
… for freelancers
In reporting stories for The Colorado Sun, freelance journalists must adhere to all ethical requirements spelled out in this code. It is understandable that freelancers may have other jobs or interests. But, as with our staff writers, freelancers must tell an editor about any potential conflicts of interest on a story, and we do not allow freelancers to cover stories in which they or their immediate family members or business partners have a financial or public advocacy interest.
Partisanship and political involvement
Colorado Sun journalists must avoid engaging in any political activities in their professional or personal lives that could reflect negatively on the integrity of The Colorado Sun. Journalists, in reporting non-opinion news stories, should not endorse or contribute money to candidates, parties, platforms, bills or initiatives or create the impression that The Colorado Sun, as an institution, endorses any of those things.
But these considerations also extend into our journalists’ personal lives — that is part of the price of serving the community through reporting the news. While we don’t want to discourage participation in civic life, our journalists must be extremely careful to avoid political partisanship when joining organizations, posting on social media, making public comments, displaying yard signs or bumper stickers, and participating in public events such as rallies or marches. This is even more true if the organizations are ones that are covered by The Colorado Sun.
Our journalists should think long and hard about the potential implications of registering with a political party or, if they are registered as unaffiliated, choosing to vote a party’s primary ballot, as either creates a public record of partisan political involvement.
If there is a doubt about whether personal or professional activity is inappropriate, journalists should discuss the situation with an editor.
Advocacy on behalf of journalism in general
The Colorado Sun supports issues that promote the practice of journalism — access to public records, meetings and court proceedings; the protection of the First Amendment; and the importance of local news. These are not considered political matters.
On these issues, The Colorado Sun or one or more of its journalists may engage in advocacy to support our mission, including testifying in support of or in opposition to legislation, participating in marches and rallies, posting on social media, and displaying signs or other messaging.
When doing so, we should write and post an article or note from an editor explaining the reasons for our actions.
Advocacy on behalf of stories specifically
There may also be circumstances in which our journalists are asked to engage in advocacy on behalf of our stories and the issues covered. For instance, a lawmaker may ask a Sun journalist to testify in support of a bill that would address an issue the journalist identified in a story. Though perhaps well-intentioned, this would be inappropriate. Even in this situation, our journalists should be extremely cautious about engaging in advocacy and should instead let the story speak for itself.
Our journalists may answer questions from lawmakers or others about a story, so long as the answers abide by our editorial standards for providing fact-based information and do not reveal private or off-the-record information that would have been inappropriate for publication. But our news journalists must never stray into opinion or endorse, even implicitly, a course of action.
Gifts, meals and other free stuff
We’re not in this for the swag. Our journalists in general don’t accept gifts, free lunches, cups of coffee, tickets, travel or other goodies in the course of doing their jobs. If our journalists are covering an event where food is served, they should make an effort to pay for their share before partaking. If a gift arrives unbidden, our journalists should make an attempt to donate it or otherwise give it away to someone outside the newsroom.
Journalists should be especially cautious about taking freebies from sources, which could create the appearance of a conflict of interest. When covering a traumatic event, journalists should refrain as much as is practical from accepting food or water that is primarily intended for victims and first responders.
But there are exceptions. If a journalist has regular meetings with a source, it is OK to trade back and forth whose turn it is to pay. If journalists find themselves in a situation where it would be impolite to turn down someone’s generosity — such as at a family dinner for a family the journalist is writing about — then it is OK to eat without trying to pay. And if journalists receive a small, personal gift from someone they covered — a photo, for instance, or something of little monetary value — it is OK to keep it.
Use of media credentials
If our journalists receive media credentials that provide special access to events, they should only use them to do their job. They can have fun while working, but it is not acceptable for a journalist to use media credentials off the clock as a cheaper way to have a good time.
Trading on influence and access to non-public opportunities
At all times our journalists must avoid trading on their influence for their personal benefit or appearing to do so. This is especially true when posting on social media platforms where our journalists identify themselves as working at The Colorado Sun. Even though it may be unintentional, we never want to create the impression that we are threatening to turn our personal gripes into news stories unless they are resolved quickly.
This works in the other direction, as well. Our journalists must be careful about accepting benefits that are not available to the general public and are offered only because of our stature at The Colorado Sun.
Speaking events, conferences, media appearances and honoraria
We want our journalists to engage with the community, talk about their stories, and be available to answer questions. We also want our journalists to connect with colleagues from across the state and country and to learn new skills.
Therefore, we encourage our journalists to participate in public speaking events and to attend conferences. We also encourage our journalists to give interviews to other media outlets, provided that the outlets adhere to the similar ethical and journalistic standards as The Colorado Sun.
But our journalists must be careful, in embracing these opportunities, not to lose hold of our ethical and reporting standards. Any acceptance of travel reimbursement or honoraria must comply with all other parts of this code. Our journalists must also be cautious when agreeing to speak to political groups and make sure to express that their appearance does not constitute an endorsement of the group by the journalist or The Colorado Sun.
When giving public speeches or interviews, our news journalists should stick to The Sun’s policies for impartiality, fairness and truth-seeking and should not offer a personal opinion or analysis of the story that goes beyond the reported facts.
Personal blogging, social media use and outside freelance work
Our journalists are welcome to maintain personal blogs and social media accounts and to conduct freelance work for other publications so long as it does not interfere with their work for The Colorado Sun. When writing for other publications, our staff journalists must first seek approval from an editor.
They also must maintain the same ethical standards that they would when they are writing for The Sun. This may seem unfair, to seek control over what people do in their off hours. But our journalists are closely identified in the public by their association with The Colorado Sun and, fairly or not, members of the public may use our journalists’ personal actions to judge our professional integrity.
Our news journalists must never use their social media channels — even off the clock — to express opinions on issues they cover. If journalists choose to use their social media channels off the clock to express opinions about issues or people other Colorado Sun reporters cover, they must make clear that their views are their own and not The Colorado Sun’s.
Lastly, our journalists should understand that what is written on blogs and social media may not be without consequence, even if it doesn’t technically violate this code of ethics. Opinions expressed or conduct on social media or blogs should be part of the discussion with editors about potential conflicts of interest, and they could form the basis for discipline or to prohibit a journalist from reporting on a topic for The Colorado Sun.
In sum, our integrity and our ability to serve the public at The Colorado Sun is important and worth being extra cautious in our private lives.
… in personal relationships
There should never be a reason to suspect that we are using our journalism to benefit people close to us. Our journalists must refrain as much as possible from reporting on issues in which their immediate family members or close friends have a financial or advocacy interest. Our journalists are not allowed to report stories directly about organizations that employ their spouse or partner, their parents or their children.
Journalists are also not allowed to report on organizations where they volunteer or advocacy organizations to which they belong. This does not apply to general religious or other broad affiliations. (For instance, a reporter who is Catholic is allowed to report on the Catholic Church as long as the reporter’s coverage upholds our standards of impartiality and fairness.)
Journalists must tell an editor of potential conflicts of interest, so that the editor can decide if it is appropriate for the journalist to cover certain issues.
If there’s a doubt, we talk it out among the staff.
If a conflict is unavoidable, the conflict should be disclosed within the text of a story along with an explanation for why the conflict did not influence the coverage of the story.
Our journalists are also encouraged to share details of their lives and backgrounds in their biographies on The Colorado Sun’s website, so that readers can gain a better understanding of the interests and experiences that shape their coverage.
… in financial affairs
Just as we never use our journalism to benefit those closest to us, we also never use our journalism to swell our bank accounts via outside investments. Colorado Sun journalists must never report on businesses in which they or their immediate family members knowingly hold a financial interest. Our journalists are allowed to put money into widely held investments, such as mutual funds, as well as in companies that they do not cover. But they must never use pre-publication information they gained in reporting a story to make a profit or limit a loss in an investment.
They must also never write a story for the purpose of influencing a company’s stock price.
… for freelancers
In reporting stories for The Colorado Sun, freelance journalists must adhere to all ethical requirements spelled out in this code. It is understandable that freelancers may have other jobs or interests. But, as with our staff writers, freelancers must tell an editor about any potential conflicts of interest on a story, and we do not allow freelancers to cover stories in which they or their immediate family members or business partners have a financial or public advocacy interest.
Partisanship and political involvement
Colorado Sun journalists must avoid engaging in any political activities in their professional or personal lives that could reflect negatively on the integrity of The Colorado Sun. Journalists, in reporting non-opinion news stories, should not endorse or contribute money to candidates, parties, platforms, bills or initiatives or create the impression that The Colorado Sun, as an institution, endorses any of those things.
But these considerations also extend into our journalists’ personal lives — that is part of the price of serving the community through reporting the news. While we don’t want to discourage participation in civic life, our journalists must be extremely careful to avoid political partisanship when joining organizations, posting on social media, making public comments, displaying yard signs or bumper stickers, and participating in public events such as rallies or marches. This is even more true if the organizations are ones that are covered by The Colorado Sun.
Our journalists should think long and hard about the potential implications of registering with a political party or, if they are registered as unaffiliated, choosing to vote a party’s primary ballot, as either creates a public record of partisan political involvement.
If there is a doubt about whether personal or professional activity is inappropriate, journalists should discuss the situation with an editor.
Advocacy on behalf of journalism in general
The Colorado Sun supports issues that promote the practice of journalism — access to public records, meetings and court proceedings; the protection of the First Amendment; and the importance of local news. These are not considered political matters.
On these issues, The Colorado Sun or one or more of its journalists may engage in advocacy to support our mission, including testifying in support of or in opposition to legislation, participating in marches and rallies, posting on social media, and displaying signs or other messaging.
When doing so, we should write and post an article or note from an editor explaining the reasons for our actions.
Advocacy on behalf of stories specifically
There may also be circumstances in which our journalists are asked to engage in advocacy on behalf of our stories and the issues covered. For instance, a lawmaker may ask a Sun journalist to testify in support of a bill that would address an issue the journalist identified in a story. Though perhaps well-intentioned, this would be inappropriate. Even in this situation, our journalists should be extremely cautious about engaging in advocacy and should instead let the story speak for itself.
Our journalists may answer questions from lawmakers or others about a story, so long as the answers abide by our editorial standards for providing fact-based information and do not reveal private or off-the-record information that would have been inappropriate for publication. But our news journalists must never stray into opinion or endorse, even implicitly, a course of action.
Gifts, meals and other free stuff
We’re not in this for the swag. Our journalists in general don’t accept gifts, free lunches, cups of coffee, tickets, travel or other goodies in the course of doing their jobs. If our journalists are covering an event where food is served, they should make an effort to pay for their share before partaking. If a gift arrives unbidden, our journalists should make an attempt to donate it or otherwise give it away to someone outside the newsroom.
Journalists should be especially cautious about taking freebies from sources, which could create the appearance of a conflict of interest. When covering a traumatic event, journalists should refrain as much as is practical from accepting food or water that is primarily intended for victims and first responders.
But there are exceptions. If a journalist has regular meetings with a source, it is OK to trade back and forth whose turn it is to pay. If journalists find themselves in a situation where it would be impolite to turn down someone’s generosity — such as at a family dinner for a family the journalist is writing about — then it is OK to eat without trying to pay. And if journalists receive a small, personal gift from someone they covered — a photo, for instance, or something of little monetary value — it is OK to keep it.
Use of media credentials
If our journalists receive media credentials that provide special access to events, they should only use them to do their job. They can have fun while working, but it is not acceptable for a journalist to use media credentials off the clock as a cheaper way to have a good time.
Trading on influence and access to non-public opportunities
At all times our journalists must avoid trading on their influence for their personal benefit or appearing to do so. This is especially true when posting on social media platforms where our journalists identify themselves as working at The Colorado Sun. Even though it may be unintentional, we never want to create the impression that we are threatening to turn our personal gripes into news stories unless they are resolved quickly.
This works in the other direction, as well. Our journalists must be careful about accepting benefits that are not available to the general public and are offered only because of our stature at The Colorado Sun.
Speaking events, conferences, media appearances and honoraria
We want our journalists to engage with the community, talk about their stories, and be available to answer questions. We also want our journalists to connect with colleagues from across the state and country and to learn new skills.
Therefore, we encourage our journalists to participate in public speaking events and to attend conferences. We also encourage our journalists to give interviews to other media outlets, provided that the outlets adhere to the similar ethical and journalistic standards as The Colorado Sun.
But our journalists must be careful, in embracing these opportunities, not to lose hold of our ethical and reporting standards. Any acceptance of travel reimbursement or honoraria must comply with all other parts of this code. Our journalists must also be cautious when agreeing to speak to political groups and make sure to express that their appearance does not constitute an endorsement of the group by the journalist or The Colorado Sun.
When giving public speeches or interviews, our news journalists should stick to The Sun’s policies for impartiality, fairness and truth-seeking and should not offer a personal opinion or analysis of the story that goes beyond the reported facts.
Personal blogging, social media use and outside freelance work
Our journalists are welcome to maintain personal blogs and social media accounts and to conduct freelance work for other publications so long as it does not interfere with their work for The Colorado Sun. When writing for other publications, our staff journalists must first seek approval from an editor.
They also must maintain the same ethical standards that they would when they are writing for The Sun. This may seem unfair, to seek control over what people do in their off hours. But our journalists are closely identified in the public by their association with The Colorado Sun and, fairly or not, members of the public may use our journalists’ personal actions to judge our professional integrity.
Our news journalists must never use their social media channels — even off the clock — to express opinions on issues they cover. If journalists choose to use their social media channels off the clock to express opinions about issues or people other Colorado Sun reporters cover, they must make clear that their views are their own and not The Colorado Sun’s.
Lastly, our journalists should understand that what is written on blogs and social media may not be without consequence, even if it doesn’t technically violate this code of ethics. Opinions expressed or conduct on social media or blogs should be part of the discussion with editors about potential conflicts of interest, and they could form the basis for discipline or to prohibit a journalist from reporting on a topic for The Colorado Sun.
In sum, our integrity and our ability to serve the public at The Colorado Sun is important and worth being extra cautious in our private lives.
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to business?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
… in financial affairs
Just as we never use our journalism to benefit those closest to us, we also never use our journalism to swell our bank accounts via outside investments. Colorado Sun journalists must never report on businesses in which they or their immediate family members knowingly hold a financial interest. Our journalists are allowed to put money into widely held investments, such as mutual funds, as well as in companies that they do not cover. But they must never use pre-publication information they gained in reporting a story to make a profit or limit a loss in an investment.
They must also never write a story for the purpose of influencing a company’s stock price.
Personal blogging, social media use and outside freelance work
Our journalists are welcome to maintain personal blogs and social media accounts and to conduct freelance work for other publications so long as it does not interfere with their work for The Colorado Sun. When writing for other publications, our staff journalists must first seek approval from an editor.
They also must maintain the same ethical standards that they would when they are writing for The Sun. This may seem unfair, to seek control over what people do in their off hours. But our journalists are closely identified in the public by their association with The Colorado Sun and, fairly or not, members of the public may use our journalists’ personal actions to judge our professional integrity.
Our news journalists must never use their social media channels — even off the clock — to express opinions on issues they cover. If journalists choose to use their social media channels off the clock to express opinions about issues or people other Colorado Sun reporters cover, they must make clear that their views are their own and not The Colorado Sun’s.
Lastly, our journalists should understand that what is written on blogs and social media may not be without consequence, even if it doesn’t technically violate this code of ethics. Opinions expressed or conduct on social media or blogs should be part of the discussion with editors about potential conflicts of interest, and they could form the basis for discipline or to prohibit a journalist from reporting on a topic for The Colorado Sun.
In sum, our integrity and our ability to serve the public at The Colorado Sun is important and worth being extra cautious in our private lives.
Just as we never use our journalism to benefit those closest to us, we also never use our journalism to swell our bank accounts via outside investments. Colorado Sun journalists must never report on businesses in which they or their immediate family members knowingly hold a financial interest. Our journalists are allowed to put money into widely held investments, such as mutual funds, as well as in companies that they do not cover. But they must never use pre-publication information they gained in reporting a story to make a profit or limit a loss in an investment.
They must also never write a story for the purpose of influencing a company’s stock price.
Personal blogging, social media use and outside freelance work
Our journalists are welcome to maintain personal blogs and social media accounts and to conduct freelance work for other publications so long as it does not interfere with their work for The Colorado Sun. When writing for other publications, our staff journalists must first seek approval from an editor.
They also must maintain the same ethical standards that they would when they are writing for The Sun. This may seem unfair, to seek control over what people do in their off hours. But our journalists are closely identified in the public by their association with The Colorado Sun and, fairly or not, members of the public may use our journalists’ personal actions to judge our professional integrity.
Our news journalists must never use their social media channels — even off the clock — to express opinions on issues they cover. If journalists choose to use their social media channels off the clock to express opinions about issues or people other Colorado Sun reporters cover, they must make clear that their views are their own and not The Colorado Sun’s.
Lastly, our journalists should understand that what is written on blogs and social media may not be without consequence, even if it doesn’t technically violate this code of ethics. Opinions expressed or conduct on social media or blogs should be part of the discussion with editors about potential conflicts of interest, and they could form the basis for discipline or to prohibit a journalist from reporting on a topic for The Colorado Sun.
In sum, our integrity and our ability to serve the public at The Colorado Sun is important and worth being extra cautious in our private lives.
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to political interests?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Partisanship and political involvement
Colorado Sun journalists must avoid engaging in any political activities in their professional or personal lives that could reflect negatively on the integrity of The Colorado Sun. Journalists, in reporting non-opinion news stories, should not endorse or contribute money to candidates, parties, platforms, bills or initiatives or create the impression that The Colorado Sun, as an institution, endorses any of those things.
But these considerations also extend into our journalists’ personal lives — that is part of the price of serving the community through reporting the news. While we don’t want to discourage participation in civic life, our journalists must be extremely careful to avoid political partisanship when joining organizations, posting on social media, making public comments, displaying yard signs or bumper stickers, and participating in public events such as rallies or marches. This is even more true if the organizations are ones that are covered by The Colorado Sun.
Our journalists should think long and hard about the potential implications of registering with a political party or, if they are registered as unaffiliated, choosing to vote a party’s primary ballot, as either creates a public record of partisan political involvement.
If there is a doubt about whether personal or professional activity is inappropriate, journalists should discuss the situation with an editor.
Colorado Sun journalists must avoid engaging in any political activities in their professional or personal lives that could reflect negatively on the integrity of The Colorado Sun. Journalists, in reporting non-opinion news stories, should not endorse or contribute money to candidates, parties, platforms, bills or initiatives or create the impression that The Colorado Sun, as an institution, endorses any of those things.
But these considerations also extend into our journalists’ personal lives — that is part of the price of serving the community through reporting the news. While we don’t want to discourage participation in civic life, our journalists must be extremely careful to avoid political partisanship when joining organizations, posting on social media, making public comments, displaying yard signs or bumper stickers, and participating in public events such as rallies or marches. This is even more true if the organizations are ones that are covered by The Colorado Sun.
Our journalists should think long and hard about the potential implications of registering with a political party or, if they are registered as unaffiliated, choosing to vote a party’s primary ballot, as either creates a public record of partisan political involvement.
If there is a doubt about whether personal or professional activity is inappropriate, journalists should discuss the situation with an editor.
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to personal interests?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Conflicts of interest
… in personal relationships
There should never be a reason to suspect that we are using our journalism to benefit people close to us. Our journalists must refrain as much as possible from reporting on issues in which their immediate family members or close friends have a financial or advocacy interest. Our journalists are not allowed to report stories directly about organizations that employ their spouse or partner, their parents or their children.
Journalists are also not allowed to report on organizations where they volunteer or advocacy organizations to which they belong. This does not apply to general religious or other broad affiliations. (For instance, a reporter who is Catholic is allowed to report on the Catholic Church as long as the reporter’s coverage upholds our standards of impartiality and fairness.)
Journalists must tell an editor of potential conflicts of interest, so that the editor can decide if it is appropriate for the journalist to cover certain issues.
If there’s a doubt, we talk it out among the staff.
If a conflict is unavoidable, the conflict should be disclosed within the text of a story along with an explanation for why the conflict did not influence the coverage of the story.
Our journalists are also encouraged to share details of their lives and backgrounds in their biographies on The Colorado Sun’s website, so that readers can gain a better understanding of the interests and experiences that shape their coverage.
… in personal relationships
There should never be a reason to suspect that we are using our journalism to benefit people close to us. Our journalists must refrain as much as possible from reporting on issues in which their immediate family members or close friends have a financial or advocacy interest. Our journalists are not allowed to report stories directly about organizations that employ their spouse or partner, their parents or their children.
Journalists are also not allowed to report on organizations where they volunteer or advocacy organizations to which they belong. This does not apply to general religious or other broad affiliations. (For instance, a reporter who is Catholic is allowed to report on the Catholic Church as long as the reporter’s coverage upholds our standards of impartiality and fairness.)
Journalists must tell an editor of potential conflicts of interest, so that the editor can decide if it is appropriate for the journalist to cover certain issues.
If there’s a doubt, we talk it out among the staff.
If a conflict is unavoidable, the conflict should be disclosed within the text of a story along with an explanation for why the conflict did not influence the coverage of the story.
Our journalists are also encouraged to share details of their lives and backgrounds in their biographies on The Colorado Sun’s website, so that readers can gain a better understanding of the interests and experiences that shape their coverage.
Does the Media Outlet’s structure protect the editorial processes from any undue influence from within or without?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
VI. Independence
In our pursuit of the truth, our readers’ interest always comes first, and there are no people or subjects that are off-limits. We are owned by journalists and beholden to no special interests. This is the third pillar of our work: Even as we strive to be a financially sustainable business and an intelligent source of news, we aggressively protect our independence and ensure that we exist only to serve readers.
Owning our news decisions
Crucial to maintaining our independence is that we retain final authority over the subjects we choose to cover and the ways we choose to cover them. We want to engage with readers, listen to their thoughts about Colorado and solicit their story ideas. At times, we seek to actively involve readers in the reporting or fact-checking of stories. And we also ask readers and others for their financial support to sustain our operations.
But all of this comes with a clear boundary: We cannot and do not allow supporters, as much as we appreciate them, to use their contributions as leverage to dictate our news coverage. All coverage decisions belong to the staff of The Colorado Sun.
Transparency in funding
Part of demonstrating our independence to the public is being transparent in where our revenue comes from. This assures readers that we have no silent backers and that we aren’t a covert plot by a special interest.
But it would also be prohibitively burdensome for The Colorado Sun to report the name of every single person who has contributed money, no matter how little and even if their contribution came through the purchase of a standard membership. We also recognize that donors may want to provide contributions anonymously, though we encourage our donors to put their names on their support.
We seek to strike a balance, providing as much transparency as is practically possible while also acknowledging that we, like many businesses, just can’t disclose everything. To that end, we explain to readers the various ways we are funded — through memberships, grants and sponsorships. And we disclose on our website the names of every donor and investor who has given us more than $5,000 in a calendar year, as well as the name of any investor who holds an equity stake in The Colorado Sun. Support that is provided anonymously will be posted under the name Anonymous.
All donors should be clearly informed that their support, while appreciated, does not allow them to influence our coverage.
If a Colorado Sun journalist quotes or cites information in a story from a contributor whose name is among the posted list of contributors, the story should include, if relevant, a disclaimer that the source is a financial contributor to The Colorado Sun.
Fundraising
Even in seeking out revenue to sustain our operations, we must maintain our integrity and independence. Without trust in our journalism, our mission fails — regardless of how much money is in our bank account.
When soliciting grants, sponsorships and donations, all employees and representatives of The Colorado Sun must be honest and factual with potential contributors. Potential contributors should be informed of The Colorado Sun’s mission and code of ethics and understand the limits of what their contribution gives them in return.
Colorado Sun journalists should never solicit money from organizations or individuals they cover. If journalists are approached with an offer to donate money by a person or organization they cover, they should put the potential contributor in touch with The Sun’s president or someone authorized to conduct fundraising on The Sun’s behalf and then remove themselves from the discussions about the contribution.
At no time should any employee or representative of The Colorado Sun give a potential contributor reason to believe that their contribution would ensure them favorable coverage, protect them from negative coverage or allow them to have any say in The Colorado Sun’s news agenda or opinion content. In the same way, people or organizations should never be threatened that, if they choose not to contribute to The Colorado Sun, they will be the subject of negative coverage or denied favorable coverage in retaliation.
Paid content and advertising
If The Colorado Sun chooses to accept paid content or advertising, we will make every effort to ensure that content is distinct from our news content. This means using a different typeface, setting it apart from other content in page design and prominently and clearly labeling it as advertising or paid content. Readers should never be even the slightest bit confused about what is editorial content and what is advertising. In addition, our journalists will never be used to write or produce advertising content.
All paid content and advertising must also be in keeping with The Colorado Sun’s mission. If it contains lies, factual inaccuracies, offensive or degrading messaging or otherwise undermines The Colorado Sun’s integrity, it may be removed.
Independence from sources
Journalists rely on people to tell them what is happening. While we are appreciative of their help in reporting the news, we must never express that gratitude by showing favoritism to our sources.
This means we don’t allow sources of information to tell us how to write our stories or dictate where we focus our journalism. We don’t engage in deals where, in exchange for information or access, we agree to slant a story a certain way. We don’t adopt our sources’ opinions in news stories. We don’t write frivolous puff pieces or beat-sweeteners in the hopes that they will encourage sources to provide us information later. We don’t agree to pre-conditions for an interview or for access without noting those conditions in our stories.
Pre-publication review
Part of being independent is that we don’t allow people to amend their quotes, to select or reject photos or to edit stories about themselves prior to publication. Our journalists should fact-check their reporting, and that can include double-checking quotes and information with sources before publication.
For more complicated material — such as scientific or technical descriptions — our journalists may share brief passages with sources to ensure accuracy. In instances where stories are about subjects who do not frequently deal with the media, it is acceptable to give the subjects a general overview of the story so that they can know what to expect.
But our journalists must never share full copies of stories with sources or others outside our newsroom prior to publication without the approval of an editor.
Joint projects and in-kind support
In pursuing the truth, we sometimes work with outside institutions and organizations to report the story. For instance, we may seek the help of an organization in collecting or analysing data or in seeking sources to interview. We also disclose the organizations’ help in the text of the stories.
In our pursuit of the truth, our readers’ interest always comes first, and there are no people or subjects that are off-limits. We are owned by journalists and beholden to no special interests. This is the third pillar of our work: Even as we strive to be a financially sustainable business and an intelligent source of news, we aggressively protect our independence and ensure that we exist only to serve readers.
Owning our news decisions
Crucial to maintaining our independence is that we retain final authority over the subjects we choose to cover and the ways we choose to cover them. We want to engage with readers, listen to their thoughts about Colorado and solicit their story ideas. At times, we seek to actively involve readers in the reporting or fact-checking of stories. And we also ask readers and others for their financial support to sustain our operations.
But all of this comes with a clear boundary: We cannot and do not allow supporters, as much as we appreciate them, to use their contributions as leverage to dictate our news coverage. All coverage decisions belong to the staff of The Colorado Sun.
Transparency in funding
Part of demonstrating our independence to the public is being transparent in where our revenue comes from. This assures readers that we have no silent backers and that we aren’t a covert plot by a special interest.
But it would also be prohibitively burdensome for The Colorado Sun to report the name of every single person who has contributed money, no matter how little and even if their contribution came through the purchase of a standard membership. We also recognize that donors may want to provide contributions anonymously, though we encourage our donors to put their names on their support.
We seek to strike a balance, providing as much transparency as is practically possible while also acknowledging that we, like many businesses, just can’t disclose everything. To that end, we explain to readers the various ways we are funded — through memberships, grants and sponsorships. And we disclose on our website the names of every donor and investor who has given us more than $5,000 in a calendar year, as well as the name of any investor who holds an equity stake in The Colorado Sun. Support that is provided anonymously will be posted under the name Anonymous.
All donors should be clearly informed that their support, while appreciated, does not allow them to influence our coverage.
If a Colorado Sun journalist quotes or cites information in a story from a contributor whose name is among the posted list of contributors, the story should include, if relevant, a disclaimer that the source is a financial contributor to The Colorado Sun.
Fundraising
Even in seeking out revenue to sustain our operations, we must maintain our integrity and independence. Without trust in our journalism, our mission fails — regardless of how much money is in our bank account.
When soliciting grants, sponsorships and donations, all employees and representatives of The Colorado Sun must be honest and factual with potential contributors. Potential contributors should be informed of The Colorado Sun’s mission and code of ethics and understand the limits of what their contribution gives them in return.
Colorado Sun journalists should never solicit money from organizations or individuals they cover. If journalists are approached with an offer to donate money by a person or organization they cover, they should put the potential contributor in touch with The Sun’s president or someone authorized to conduct fundraising on The Sun’s behalf and then remove themselves from the discussions about the contribution.
At no time should any employee or representative of The Colorado Sun give a potential contributor reason to believe that their contribution would ensure them favorable coverage, protect them from negative coverage or allow them to have any say in The Colorado Sun’s news agenda or opinion content. In the same way, people or organizations should never be threatened that, if they choose not to contribute to The Colorado Sun, they will be the subject of negative coverage or denied favorable coverage in retaliation.
Paid content and advertising
If The Colorado Sun chooses to accept paid content or advertising, we will make every effort to ensure that content is distinct from our news content. This means using a different typeface, setting it apart from other content in page design and prominently and clearly labeling it as advertising or paid content. Readers should never be even the slightest bit confused about what is editorial content and what is advertising. In addition, our journalists will never be used to write or produce advertising content.
All paid content and advertising must also be in keeping with The Colorado Sun’s mission. If it contains lies, factual inaccuracies, offensive or degrading messaging or otherwise undermines The Colorado Sun’s integrity, it may be removed.
Independence from sources
Journalists rely on people to tell them what is happening. While we are appreciative of their help in reporting the news, we must never express that gratitude by showing favoritism to our sources.
This means we don’t allow sources of information to tell us how to write our stories or dictate where we focus our journalism. We don’t engage in deals where, in exchange for information or access, we agree to slant a story a certain way. We don’t adopt our sources’ opinions in news stories. We don’t write frivolous puff pieces or beat-sweeteners in the hopes that they will encourage sources to provide us information later. We don’t agree to pre-conditions for an interview or for access without noting those conditions in our stories.
Pre-publication review
Part of being independent is that we don’t allow people to amend their quotes, to select or reject photos or to edit stories about themselves prior to publication. Our journalists should fact-check their reporting, and that can include double-checking quotes and information with sources before publication.
For more complicated material — such as scientific or technical descriptions — our journalists may share brief passages with sources to ensure accuracy. In instances where stories are about subjects who do not frequently deal with the media, it is acceptable to give the subjects a general overview of the story so that they can know what to expect.
But our journalists must never share full copies of stories with sources or others outside our newsroom prior to publication without the approval of an editor.
Joint projects and in-kind support
In pursuing the truth, we sometimes work with outside institutions and organizations to report the story. For instance, we may seek the help of an organization in collecting or analysing data or in seeking sources to interview. We also disclose the organizations’ help in the text of the stories.