Right to Comment
Kyla McCrary, my co-EIC, Bridgette Norris, my adviser, and I were editing a staff editorial on how there is a lack of campus security enforcement despite precautions being taken to increase it. Our principal, Dusty Johns, wanted to comment on some exaggerations or misconceptions we addressed in the story. Providing the opposing side an opportunity to comment to particular points in a story is the most ethical approach. We understand the need to provide readers with multiple viewpoints so they can evaluate the information and form their own opinion. If a paper does not provide simultaneous rebuttal with an issue, it's a disservice to the reader, as they are not able to form a conclusive perspective.
Tribune News Service
Boone Pubs has a paid subscription to the Tribune News Service (formerly known as MCT Campus). This allows us to use pictures that are not unique to Boone. Pictures from TNS should not be altered and we must use the caption provided. This method avoids copyright infringement. I know that pulling images off any random internet source is unethical. TNS allows us to maintain our high ethical standards while having access to a larger variety of pictures.
Editorial Policy
On our editorial/opinion page, we put our staff box which includes our policy statement. Our policy statement addresses that our publication will not contain libelous information and that anything addressed is the opinion of the writer. It is important to include this to uphold the integrity of our publication. Ethics are imperative in journalism, so this is important to include.
One of the most pivotal materials to address is the use of anonymous sources. These sources require interviewing students in the same process of interviewing any other student, but we must confirm with a legal guardian that their story can be shared. While we infrequently use anonymous sources, we do recognize there may be a need to protect the student from harm or endangerment and respect their FERPA and HIPPA rights. It is important for our staff to know how and when it is appropriate to use an anonymous source.
One of the most pivotal materials to address is the use of anonymous sources. These sources require interviewing students in the same process of interviewing any other student, but we must confirm with a legal guardian that their story can be shared. While we infrequently use anonymous sources, we do recognize there may be a need to protect the student from harm or endangerment and respect their FERPA and HIPPA rights. It is important for our staff to know how and when it is appropriate to use an anonymous source.