Future of Good’s editorial ethics and standards

This document outlines guidelines for both novice and experienced journalists at Future of Good, aiming to define the objectives of ethical journalism and provide practical advice for achieving these goals. Adhering to a single guideline does not fulfill the criteria for ethical journalism, nor should these guidelines be viewed as a checklist of obstacles to overcome. Instead, they are designed to be adaptable to various situations. They emphasize the questions to ask, the solutions to seek, and the judgment needed to apply ethical principles in the myriad scenarios encountered in journalism.

This is an updated version of Future of Good’s editorial ethics and standards. It has been researched using ethical guidelines from the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Press, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which are considered best practices in journalism in Canada. These guidelines have been adapted for Future of Good in a rapidly changing journalistic landscape.

Those contributing to our Ethical standards include Elisha Dacey, Vinod Rajasekaran, Anouk Bertner and Diane Berard.

Future of Good will be referred to as FOG for the rest of the document.

Diversity

Diversity acknowledges the inherent dignity and human rights of individuals who perceive the world differently due to their ethnicity, culture, religion, gender identity, political views, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or physical characteristics. FOG understands that journalism that is equitable, accurate, and serves the public interest must incorporate diverse viewpoints. We also recognize that diversity among journalists and sources enhances the comprehensiveness of our coverage.

Our diversity strategy includes:

1. Inclusive Views: FOG strives to include perspectives from a broad range of individuals, particularly those historically underrepresented.
2. Diverse Sources: We aim to integrate a variety of sources in all our coverage, ensuring representation not only of specific groups but also in seeking expert opinions and analyses.
3. Accurate Representation: Representing the views of one person or group does not capture the experiences of the entire community. FOG engages with communities to ensure a thorough understanding of their dynamics and the implications of our reporting.
4. Platforming: Leadership in the social impact world is overwhelmingly uniform, so we are committed to platforming underrepresented voices in the social impact sector.

Accountability

FOG is accountable to the public for the fairness and accuracy of our reporting. We provide a means for individuals to easily contact us with questions or concerns. While we strive to avoid errors, we address any that occur transparently.

1. Accountability of Sources: We do not allow unnamed sources to use anonymity to avoid their own accountability.
2. Commitment to Truth: We pursue truth in the public interest, making editorial decisions based on our responsibility to our audience.
3. Avoiding False Balance: We do not present opposing views as equally credible when the evidence and expertise do not support such a balance.
4. Use of Visuals: We select photos and videos based on their news value or public interest, not for voyeuristic purposes.

Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount for FOG journalists. We remain vigilant against misinformation, disinformation, and fabrications in an era where such content is easily created.

1. Verification: We make concerted efforts to verify the identities and backgrounds of our sources. Additionally, we verify information obtained online, whether from social media or other websites and assess the credibility of these sources.
2. Documentation: We seek documentation to confirm the reliability of sources and their stories, ensuring we differentiate between assertions and facts.
3. Context: FOG strives to convey the original tone and context of all collected materials, whether photos, sounds, or words.
4. Mistakes: While we endeavour to avoid mistakes, we know they occur. When errors do happen, we correct them promptly, prominently, and transparently, acknowledging the nature of the mistake.
5. Removing Content: “Unpublishing” or removing digital content is occasionally warranted in exceptional cases where public safety threats, legal restrictions, egregious errors, or undue stigmatization necessitate extraordinary consideration. This is a last-case scenario.

Independence

FOG’s journalism disseminates information, ideas, and solutions vital to the public interest in the social purpose sector, acting as both a truth-teller and a watchdog. 

This role may occasionally conflict with various public and private interests, including those of sources, governments, advertisers, and, at times, our employers. Ethical journalism maintains its independence, prioritizing the public interest above all.

1. No Special Treatment: FOG does not provide preferential treatment to advertisers or special interests. We actively resist external attempts to influence our news coverage.
2. Personal Expenses: FOG covers our own expenses whenever feasible. If external funding is necessary, we make it clear to the funding entity that they have no control over our journalism. We will transparently disclose such arrangements to our audience.
3. Gifts and Favours: We do not solicit gifts or favours for personal use. Unsolicited gifts should be returned whenever practical but keeping in mind cultural practices (such as the gift of tobacco in Indigenous communities.)
4. Review Requests: Ethically, FOG cannot allow sources to review stories before publication except under extremely rare circumstances. Before any part of any unpublished story is shared with a source, it must be discussed and approved by the Managing Editor and Editor-in-chief.
5. Editorial Freedom: Columnists and commentators are free to express their views, even if they conflict with the organization’s stance, so long as they adhere to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
6. Standards for Commentators: Outside op-ed commentators must also adhere to FOG’s standards of fairness and accuracy.
7. Revenue: FOG’s current revenue model relies on content partnerships and membership subscriptions. While we sometimes cover the work our members and partners do outside of any agreement, these organizations or individuals are not given editorial priority. The Managing Editor oversees both sponsored and non-sponsored stories and is committed to covering news involving any organization we are affiliated with in an unbiased manner.

Fairness

Balancing the right to privacy with the public’s right to be informed on matters of public interest is a complex but essential task. Each scenario must be evaluated with common sense, empathy, and relevance. 

Fairness in journalism involves transparency and honesty with sources. We avoid exploiting or sensationalizing individuals who have been thrust into the public eye, such as crime victims or those connected to a tragedy. When contacting such individuals, FOG is sensitive to their trauma and reports only information that serves the public’s legitimate interest.

1. Right to Respond: FOG makes genuine and reasonable efforts to allow individuals who are publicly accused or criticized to respond before publication. If they decline to comment, we will note this in our story.
2. Respect for Individuals: We respect the rights of those involved in news stories. References to ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or physicality are made only when pertinent to the story. We use people’s preferred pronouns and avoid reinforcing stereotypes and negative tropes.
3. Crime Reporting: Special care is taken in crime reporting to avoid perpetuating stereotypes, undermining the presumption of innocence, or harming vulnerable individuals. We respect each person’s right to a fair trial.
4. Reporting on Vulnerable Groups: Extra caution is exercised when reporting on children or those lacking the cognitive ability to understand the media’s impact. When in doubt, we seek input from someone who comprehends the consequences, such as a parent or caregiver.
5. Social Media: While information posted on social media is generally considered public, FOG will still verify. We consider the media literacy of the poster and weigh the implications of using material posted by minors, who may not grasp the public nature of their postings.
6. Bias Mitigation: As journalists, we acknowledge our own biases and use ethical guidelines and best practices to mitigate their potential impact on fairness and accuracy.
7. Source Identification: Sources of information are typically identified. However, unnamed sources may be used when protecting their identity prevents them from significant harm, the information is of significant public interest, and no other reasonable means to obtain it exists. In such cases, the need for confidentiality is explained.
8. Promises to Sources: FOG understands the gravity of promises made to sources, especially under the threat of legal compulsion to reveal them. If we are unwilling to face legal consequences, we state this upfront. The agreement is void if the source lies or misleads us.
   • Not for Attribution: Direct quotes can be used without naming the source, although a general description may be provided (e.g., “a government official”).
   • On Background: The essence of statements may be used, and the source is generally described without direct quotes.
   • Off the Record: Information cannot be reported and is used solely for context or understanding. This should be used sparingly, if at all, and the reporter must agree to it with a high standard of care before using it.

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest, whether actual or perceived, can cast doubt on the integrity of our reporting. It is imperative that journalists remain unbiased when covering any institution or interest group. To ensure credibility, we must disclose any significant connections with the entities involved to both editors and, when necessary, our audience.

1. Public and Online Engagements: We thoughtfully evaluate our public and online activities, recognizing their potential impact on our professional integrity. Publicly supporting a cause could lead to a perception of bias if we later report on that issue.
2. Online Conduct: We exercise caution with our online presence, particularly regarding language and political opinions. However, all FOG journalists are free to express their uncontroversial opinions on political matters, matters of the social impact world, and other subjects on social media, so long as their work does not show bias.
3. Expert Analysis: Reporters may provide valuable insights into opinion pieces and live journalism based on their expertise. However, they may choose not to participate if they believe their participation would cause the perception of bias.
4. Political Endorsements: While editorial boards, columnists, and commentators are permitted to endorse political candidates or causes, reporters must refrain from doing so.
5. Political Ambitions: Journalists aspiring to run for public office must avoid using their journalistic role to gain electoral advantages. Such intentions should be declared promptly to preserve audience trust.
6. Political bias: FOG, as an organization, does not subscribe to any particular political ideology. 
7. Speaking Fees: FOG journalists generally do not accept fees for speaking to groups we cover. However, journalists invited to speak due to their expertise may accept compensation, including payment and expenses, provided it is disclosed to editors and, if appropriate, to the audience. 
8. Avoiding Unfair Advantages: We do not use our journalistic roles to obtain business or other benefits that are not beyond the reach of the general public.

Transparency

Transparency in journalism means being forthright with the public about the journalistic process. 

1. Declaration of Identity: We typically identify ourselves as journalists and do not hide our identities, including on social media. However, undercover reporting may be justified in cases involving illegal or harmful behaviour, provided it serves the public interest and the information is otherwise inaccessible. In such instances, we disclose the use of deception to our audience.
2. Source Awareness: FOG informs sources that online stories may have a permanent and widespread presence, and we clearly communicate when stories will be published across various media platforms.
3. Unnamed Sources: When using unnamed sources, we strive to corroborate their information independently and describe them accurately by affiliation and status in consultation with the sources. We disclose any vested interests or potential biases of the sources while maintaining their anonymity.
4. Use of Pseudonyms: We avoid pseudonyms but will inform our audience if their use is necessary and justified.
5. Credit and Fair Use: FOG credits original sources and ideas when known and seeks permission to use online photos and videos, crediting the author and original posting location whenever possible, in accordance with fair dealing rights.
6. Expense Disclosure: We disclose when another organization covers our expenses. While we do not pay for information, we may reimburse individuals for photos, videos, or expertise and note such payments in our stories when appropriate.
7. Distinction Between News and Opinion: We clearly differentiate between news and opinion to ensure the audience understands which is which.
8. Labelling Sponsored Content: We clearly label advertising, sponsored content, affiliate links, and other third-party-driven content.
9. Acknowledging Collaborations: When collaborating with entities such as institutes or independent researchers, we acknowledge their contributions.
10. AI-Generated Content: We inform our audience when publishing content produced with the assistance of generative AI.

Complaints Response Policy

We take all complaints seriously and are committed to responding fairly and transparently. Here’s how we handle complaints:

1. Acknowledgement: We will acknowledge your complaint promptly to show that we take your concerns seriously.
2. Thorough Review: We will conduct a thorough review of the issue, involving relevant staff members to gather all necessary information. This includes re-examining the content in question and consulting any sources or data used.
3. Clear Communication: Once the review is complete, we will communicate our findings to the complainant clearly and respectfully.
4. Corrections and Retractions: If an error is found, we will issue a correction or retraction promptly and publicly, ensuring that the correct information is disseminated.
5. Open Communication: We will maintain open lines of communication with the complainant throughout the process, demonstrating our commitment to accountability and ethical journalism.

By following these steps, we aim to reinforce our dedication to integrity and trustworthiness in all our journalistic endeavours.

Editorial Process, Distribution and Compensation

Story ideas are either pitched by journalists (staff or freelance) to FOG’s Managing Editor or assigned by the Managing Editor to the journalist. Every story idea is vetted to determine whether it aligns with FOG’s editorial direction. Once the story is accepted, it goes through an editing process during which the Managing Editor reviews it, checking for accuracy, editing for style, and more substantive content editing.

FOG also accepts thought leadership or opinion piece pitches from social impact professionals. These pieces go through the same vetting process as reported stories, but thought leaders are not paid for their work. 

FOG pays all journalists who report stories. FOG’s freelance rates vary depending on the amount of reporting involved, but they start at 50 cents per word. 

FOG stories are not under a Creative Commons license. Content is sometimes republished with written permission from the Managing Editor.

All feedback can be sent to info@futureofgood.co.