OCTOBER 8 / More on old-school journalistic ethics

Political contributions are a no-no for ethical journalists.

THIS MATTERS because Chronicle editorial writer Andrea Georgsson has shown up on campaign contribution reports for Democratic candidates.

So what do the written journalistic codes say about such conduct?

The code of conduct of the Society or Professional Journalists is mushy, but the point is clear enough. Journalists must "act independently" by (among other things) avoiding conflicts of interest, real or perceived, and remaining free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility. Giving to political candidates reasonably violates all these principles.

The New York Times's policy on ethics in journalism is more explicit.

89. Journalists do not take part in politics. While staff members are entitled to vote and to register in party primaries, they must do nothing that might raise questions about their professional neutrality or that of our news operations. In particular, they may not campaign for, demostrate for, or endorse candidates, ballot causes or efforts to enact legislation. THey may not wear campaign buttons or themselves display any other insignia of partisan politics.

90. Staff members may not themselves give money to any political candidate or election cause or raise money for one. Given the ease of internet access to public records of campaign contributions, any political giving by a staff member would risk feeding a false impression that we are taking sides.

This is good comedy, if nothing else. "A false impression that we are taking sides?" How about "giving away the game that we have been taking sides?" Still, the rule is the rule: no contributions.

Here are excerpts from other codes:

Under no circumstances should [editorial employees] donate money to political organizations or political campaigns. (Associated Press)

Staff members may not engage in political advocacy -- as members of a campaign or an organization specifically concerned with political change. Nor may they contribute money to a partisan campaign or candidate. (Los Angeles Times)

We avoid active involvement in any partisan causes -- politics, community affairs, social action, demonstrations -- that could compromise or seem to compromise our ability to report and edit fairly. (Washington Post)

Involvement in politics, demonstrations and social causes that would cause a conflict of interest, or the appearance of such conflict, should be avoided. (Associated Press Managing Editors)

Google around a bit and you'll plenty more where these came from, here for example.

UPDATE: Thanks for the links from Lose an Eye, BlogHouston, Red Ink: Texas, and Lone Star Times.