|
RFE/RL Code of Professional Journalism Standards
All RFE/RL journalists and journalistic contributors must observe the following principles:
Accuracy
RFE/RL journalists will do their utmost to ensure that all broadcasts and publications (including those transmitted via the Internet) are factually accurate. Where doubt or controversy may exist on significant points of fact, information must be based on at least two independent sources.
RFE/RL journalists will not broadcast or publish material that is based on rumor or unsubstantiated information.
Factual errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
Impartiality
Information will be presented in a factual context that enhances understanding of the events and issues and provides clarity without distortion or bias.
Journalists will present opposing or differing views accurately and in a balanced manner on all issues. When groups or individuals whose views are important for balanced programming decline to comment, it is appropriate to note this in the story or article.
RFE/RL shall be independent from any political party, ruling or opposition group, emigre organization, commercial or other special-interest organization, or religious body, whether inside or outside the set of countries to which RFE/RL broadcasts radio or television programming (the "Broadcasting Area"); and shall not endorse or advocate any specific political, economic, or religious viewpoint.
Analysis, Commentary, and Editorials
All broadcasts and publications should contain elements of background information and explanation that help the audience better understand the significance and consequences of the information being reported. Journalists must not insert their personal opinions or judgments in factual reports.
Commentaries should generally be avoided. RFE/RL prefers assessment to personal points of view. Commentaries may be written by RFE/RL staffers only in very exceptional cases and only if approved in advance by the director of broadcasting; or an associate director of broadcasting. Commentaries provided by an outside expert must meet RFE/RL's professional standards.
Tone of Moderation and Respect
Broadcasts and publications shall at all times maintain a calm and moderate tone and project a model of civilized, reasoned discourse and a respect for the human rights of all persons. Broadcasts and publications shall not contain religious, ethnic, socioeconomic, or cultural slurs upon any person or groups and shall observe common standards of etiquette and taste.
Broadcasts and publications shall not contain material that could be construed as inflammatory or as incitement to violence. Programming on disturbances or other tense situations must be balanced and factual.
Avoidance of Advocacy
RFE/RL supports democracy and the human rights common to democratic states. However, RFE/RL shall not advocate the adoption of specific policies or legislation; nor shall programming endorse or oppose candidates for elective or appointed office.
RFE/RL supports the right of all peoples to self-determination as stated in the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. However, broadcasts and publications shall not advocate or endorse separatist or secessionist causes.
RFE/RL supports freedom of travel and migration for all peoples in accordance with internationally recognized norms. However, RFE/RL broadcasts and publications shall not incite the act of defection or encourage emigration.
Ethical Conduct
RFE/RL staff and contributors to programs and publications shall maintain the highest ethical standards in all conduct, taking particular care to avoid any conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof, in their relations with individuals, groups, political or commercial interests inside or outside the Broadcast Area. RFE/RL staff and contributors shall in no way abuse their status as public figures or the good reputation of RFE/RL to promote personal interest or gain. See policy on Conflict of Interest.
|
|
|
|
| RFE/RL is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity.
|
|
|
| The content on the RFE/RL website is copyrighted under U.S. laws, though we welcome its re-use and republication. Get more info here:
|
|
![[ job opportunities ]](/images/about/jobs.jpg)
![[ content policy ]](/images/about/privacy.jpg)