{"id":1254810,"date":"2018-11-06T07:40:20","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T13:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vxartnews-newspack.newspackstaging.com\/?page_id=1254810"},"modified":"2018-11-06T07:40:20","modified_gmt":"2018-11-06T13:40:20","slug":"energy-news-network-code-of-ethics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vxartnews.com\/energy-news-network-code-of-ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Vxartnews Code of Ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Vxartnews is an editorially independent news and information service published by Fresh Energy. Fresh Energy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works in the public interest to drive policy solutions advancing a clean energy economy, with a particular focus on Minnesota. One of Fresh Energy\u2019s strategic imperatives is to elevate a fact-based conversation about energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Vxartnews works toward that imperative but is a separate program area within Fresh Energy. Vxartnews staff members are professional journalists who are not involved in Fresh Energy\u2019s advocacy or policy work. Fresh Energy staff, board and funders do not have access to or oversight of the Vxartnews\u2019s editorial process.<\/span><\/p>\n

What follows are our standards for ensuring our work is independent, fact-based and produced in accordance with the highest journalistic standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalistic practice<\/b><\/p>\n

Vxartnews reporters are required to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics while conducting work for ENN. The full text of the SPJ code is appended at the end of this document.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vxartnews reporters are independent freelancers who often work for multiple clients. This work may include public relations or communications work. In such cases reporters shall recuse themselves from any stories that would involve a PR or communications client.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vxartnews reporters shall disclose any financial conflicts of interest involving themselves or immediate family that may raise credibility questions about their journalism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship with Fresh Energy<\/b><\/p>\n

Vxartnews staff are employed by Fresh Energy and work in the Fresh Energy office, reporting to the executive director and the Fresh Energy board of directors. Performance deliverables for Vxartnews staff are built around audience growth and capturing the impact of our journalism and do not determine how the news is covered. <\/span><\/p>\n

Internal discussions among Fresh Energy staff involving policy issues are considered off the record and confidential unless those staff indicate otherwise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fresh Energy staff, management and board are encouraged to provide story tips and information to Vxartnews reporters or editors, but those journalists are under no obligation to pursue stories not deemed newsworthy to the readership. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Vxartnews shall disclose whether Fresh Energy was involved in direct advocacy around the subject matter of a story. <\/span><\/p>\n

Confidentiality will not be honored in the event of unethical or criminal activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship with funders<\/b><\/p>\n

Foundations and other donors to the Vxartnews have no oversight or input into the editorial process and may not influence stories even after publication. Donors may, like any other reader, pitch ideas for coverage as well as raise questions of accuracy and fairness, and Vxartnews editors will endeavor to treat these issues with the same weight regardless of their source.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Vxartnews may accept funding to report on a particular geographic area or topic area provided the funder does not prescribe a particular outcome. The Vxartnews will refuse any funding that requires it to disregard its own ethical standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Vxartnews will post the names of all supporting foundations along with any individual or corporate contributions in excess of $1,000 per year. Anonymity for funders may be granted under some circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal conduct<\/b><\/p>\n

Vxartnews staff and contractors are allowed to participate in their communities, including the expression of opinion on matters of civil interest and participation in local politics, but should make clear in these instances that they are speaking as private citizens and not on behalf of the organization. ENN staff and contractors should avoid advocacy related to topics they will cover as journalists. <\/span><\/p>\n

SPJ CODE OF ETHICS (revised 2014)<\/b><\/p>\n

SEEK TRUTH AND REPORT IT <\/span><\/p>\n

Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. Journalists should: <\/span><\/p>\n