{"id":425,"date":"2026-05-07T15:41:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T19:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/?page_id=425"},"modified":"2026-05-11T11:01:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:01:28","slug":"code-of-ethics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/?page_id=425","title":{"rendered":"Code of Ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"425\" class=\"elementor elementor-425\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8404800 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8404800\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dca268a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dca268a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Code of Ethics<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a386143 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a386143\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Our Commitment to You<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa9541f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fa9541f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a63412d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a63412d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container-fluid ml-lp-21 \" data-aos=\"\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n<div class=\"col col-sm-12\">\n<h3><strong>INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">We believe public participation is the foundation of democracy. Ethical reporting strives to ensure the citizens of Blount County have access to information that is accurate, fair and meaningful. Therefore, we pledge to abide by these four principles of ethical reporting, which are heavily based on the Society of Professional Journalist\u2019s Code of Ethics, revised September 6, 2014.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Seek Truth and Report It<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ethical reporting should be accurate and fair. Reporters should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To achieve this, Blount County Business News reporters agree to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises they make.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Anonymous sources should be used rarely and only in extreme circumstances. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Consider sources\u2019 motives before promising anonymity and explain why anonymity was granted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing. Our news organization does not practice \u201cGotcha Journalism\u201d because we respect our readers and the citizens of Blount County.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public\u2019s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Avoid stereotyping. Reporters should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Label advocacy and commentary.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Never plagiarize. Always attribute.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Minimize Harm<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ethical reporting treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To achieve this, reporters should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Balance the public\u2019s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Balance a suspect\u2019s right to a fair trial with the public\u2019s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Act Independently<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The highest and primary obligation of ethical reporting is to serve the public.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To achieve this, reporters should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Be Accountable and Transparent<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ethical reporting means taking responsibility for one\u2019s work and explaining one\u2019s decisions to the public.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To achieve this, reporters should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about news gathering practices, coverage and news content.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Expose unethical conduct in reporting, including within their organizations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\" ml-lp-24\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-center\"><hr \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container-fluid ml-lp-26 \" data-aos=\"\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n<div class=\"col col-sm-12\">\n<p>Every member of our team has committed to this Code of Ethics and is subject to investigation and dismissal should any of the elements be violated.\u00a0 If you have concerns or believe we have violated our Code of Ethics, please reach out to me immediately.\u00a0 Your concerns will be treated seriously.<\/p>\n<p>Robert Berlin, Editor\/Publisher<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ml-rte-link-wrapper\"><a href=\"tel:+18653007748\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(865) 300-7748<\/a><\/span>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0<span class=\"ml-rte-link-wrapper\"><a href=\"mailto:%20robert@bcbiznews.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Robert@BCBizNews.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Code of Ethics Our Commitment to You INTRODUCTION We believe public participation is the foundation of democracy. Ethical reporting strives to ensure the citizens of Blount County have access to information that is accurate, fair and meaningful. Therefore, we pledge to abide by these four principles of ethical reporting, which are heavily based on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-425","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=425"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":824,"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/425\/revisions\/824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/businessnews.blountcounty.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}