Last Updated: February 17, 1999
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The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
Newsroom employees are subject to rules set forth in The Tribune-Democrat
Manual of Policies and Procedures and also by any existing labor contract.
However, because of the nature of their work, newsroom employees must be
further vigilant about their role and the role of the newspaper in the
community.
The purpose of this policy is to further define companywide policies
set forth in the policy manual and any existing labor contract.
The policy manual clearly states that the conduct of employees must
conform to the best interest of the company. For newsroom employees,
those interest exceed the requirements of employees in other departments.
Newsroom employees include reporters, copy editors, photographers, newsroom
assistants and any others whose duties in any way involve the news process,
whether part-time or full-time.
Newsroom employees should never accept compensation in any form, including
money, gifts, food, clothing, the promise of special favors or influence
for the normal performance of their duties. It is the purpose of
this policy to provide a guideline to avoid the perception of wrongdoing,
influence or personal interest in bringing fair, accurate and objective
news to our readers.
We have an obligation to keep ourselves, and therefore, the newspaper,
above reproach in the eyes of the readers.
As a competing business, The Tribune-Democrat reserves the right to
protect its interest in the marketplace by requiring that newsroom employees
who gather, process and present news do so only for their employer.
Employees may not receive any form of compensation by providing other
competing media with news tips, stories, supporting and background information,
photos or assistance in any fashion. When requested to do so, employees
must report the request to the publisher, editor or managing editor, who
have the authority to determine each on its merit.
Competing news agencies include, but are not limited to, newspapers
whose circulation or advertising compete with The Tribune-Democrat.
This also includes television and radio stations, magazines, shopping tabloids,
business or tourist publications, high school or college newspapers, sports
teams who produce programs or publications for fans and also any other
publication with a competing interest.
The Tribune-Democrat's basic area of competition is western and central
Pennsylvania, or a territory defined by the publisher.
At the same time, The Tribune-Democrat will be helpful to other news
agencies when requested to do so. As a member of The Associated Press,
we will cooperate routinely with the AP and other agencies as the editor
determines.
We will not cooperate when there is a chance that by contributing to
a news service, we will supply a competitor with news before we publish
it.
Newsroom employees are absolutely forbidden to breach the confidence
of an exclusive story, editorial position or editorial endorsement and
any special project, promotion or activity.
Requests to provide stories, information or photos to noncompetitors
should never be fulfilled without the knowledge and/or prior approval of
the publisher, editor or managing editor. If this participation is
approved, compensation is permitted.
Journalists are expected to maintain an objectivity based on fairness
and openness. Membership or association with special groups or interests,
political or nonpolitical, will color that objectivity in the eyes of the
readers.
Therefore, Tribune-Democrat newsroom employees are forbidden from participation
in political parties or events because that participation gives our readers
the perception that our work is biased or favors a party, group or cause.
The policy manual prohibits all Tribune-Democrat employees from holding
paid political office but permits employees to hold nonpaid political office.
Newsroom employees are not permitted to hold a paid or nonpaid political
office.
News employees are encouraged to take part in nonpolitical events in
their communities with the prior approval of the publisher, editor and
managing editor, who will consider each request on its merit.
The Tribune-Democrat recognizes that, by the nature of their profession,
some employees may be considered experts in their field. We acknowledge
that position and understand that newsroom employees will be asked to participate
in their communities from time to time.
We encourage employees to be good citizens and members of their communities.
However, caution must be used in choosing how you participate because of
your role.
A precise guideline cannot cover all situations. Newsroom employees
should serve their profession first and foremost and not their personal
interests. All such participation on boards of trustees or boards
of directors of any business or group, should be discussed with the publisher,
editor or managing editor. Participation on nonpolitical advisory
boards or groups is permitted.
Newsroom employees may not work in public relations, or as sports information
directors.
The newspaper expects and requires news employees to use their talents
and abilities primarily for The Tribune-Democrat. The newspaper has
an obligation to protect itself as a business.
Employees may write or photograph for other noncompeting news agencies
and receive compensation for that work. On all occasions, employees
must seek the approval of the publisher, editor or managing editor, in
addition to notifying their immediate supervisor.
Like other employees of The Tribune-Democrat, newsroom employees must
seek prior approval on any outside employment, including employment not
related to their jobs.
Conflicts and problems can be avoided by seeking the approval of the
publisher, editor or managing editor prior to agreeing to perform work
outside of the direct responsibilities to The Tribune-Democrat.
Freelance writers and photographers are considered independent contractors
who are not full-time employees of The Tribune-Democrat. As such,
they are restricted in how they may perform contracted work.
Materials, including film, computers, and working facilities or transportation
may not be made available to independent contractors. They may not
be given training or assistance that goes beyond a description, expectation
or deadline for the contracted work.
Independent contractors may not use newsroom facilities, including computers,
telephones, the library or related materials. Independent contractors
who cannot perform the agreed-upon work without newsroom resources should
not be considered independent contractors.
Newsroom employees may not work as independent contractors for The Tribune-Democrat
while full-time or part-time employees of the newsroom.
Violations of these policies could make employees subject to disciplinary
action, including dismissal.
