Recognize that standards on intrusion are more strict concerning ordinary citizens than for public officials and public figures. Exercise sensitivity when dealing with children or other inexperienced sources or subjects. Responsible journalists possess a single-minded commitment to their audience. Any personal or professional interest that conflicts, or might appear to conflict, with the needs of the audience must be avoided or neutralized. Where conflicts are unavoidable, disclose them.
Responsible journalists keep promises and respect confidences.
Failure to do so may put sources at risk. For that reason journalists must exercise care when promising anonymity to ensure that sources know what has and what has not been promised. The public is entitled to know whether a source is reliable. Question sources' motives and assess their risks before promising anonymity. Journalists have a special obligation to preserve and strengthen freedom of speech and the press.