Newspaper Credibility Handbook

Introduction

How to use this book

Chapter I — The customer isn’t always wrong / Reader connections

Getting started

Moving from philosophy to practice

Be easy to reach
Listen and respond
Explain
Be accountable
Keep the newsroom talking

Notes

Chapter II — Beyond the usual suspects / Community connections

Getting started

Moving from philosophy to practice

Look at the big picture
Learn more about your community
Challenge craft practices
Redefine missions and beats

Notes

Chapter III — Details matter / Accuracy

Getting started

Moving from philosophy to practice

Correct early and often
Invite readers to call
Focus on improvement
Identify patterns

Notes

Chapter IV — Questions of character / Ethics

Getting started

Moving from philosophy to practice

Avoid sensationalistic coverage
Show respect
Limit anonymous sources
Maintain independence

Notes

Chapter V — Resources / Information and samples

Chapter VI — Discussion guide / Putting the tools to work

Guide 1 — “You’re biased!”
Guide 2 — Jesse Jackson’s affair
Guide 3 — “Grieving over news”
Guide 4 — “Shedding fear, prejudice”
Guide 5 — “Big John”
Guide 6 — “On the verge”
Guide 7 — When to publish a correction
Guide 8 — Powerful images
Guide 9 — False report on Clinton
Guide 10 — A missing child
Guide 11 — Naming a rape victim
Guide 12 — “Heart without a home”
Guide 13 — Transplant donor
Guide 14 — “Miracle match”
Guide 15 — Death of a boy
Guide 16 — LA Times/Staples Center
Guide 17 — Advertising asks for help