Their responsibilities to the public are paramount. That is the nature of their profession. So-called news communications from private sources should not be published or broadcast without substantiation of their claims to news value. Journalists will seek news that serves the public interest, despite the obstacles. They will make constant efforts to assure that the public's business is conducted in public and that public records are open to public inspection.
Journalists acknowledge the newsman's ethic of protecting confidential sources of information.
Good faith with the public is the foundation of all worthy journalism. Truth is our ultimate goal. Objectivity in reporting the news is another goal, which serves as the mark of an experienced professional. It is a standard of performance toward which we strive. We honor those who achieve it.