These policies are designed to guide journalism as we deliver news and information in a rapidly changing media environment. We consider these guidelines a “living document” that we will continuously revise and update based on feedback from our journalists, our readers, and our understanding of evolving needs.
The Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms at FUTBOLETE are a set of standards that guide journalistic work within this important news network. These principles incorporate concepts and terminology developed by the Digital News Association of Radio and Television.
Because the circumstances under which information is obtained and reported vary widely, these guidelines should not be interpreted as rigid rules or as comprehensive coverage of all situations that may arise.
- Journalist feedback: Valued and used to improve our policies.
- Reader opinions: Essential to align our guidelines with audience expectations.
- Changing media environment: Requires us to constantly adjust our practices.
In short, futbolete’s policies reflect our commitment to ethics and flexibility in delivering news, always adapting to today’s demands.
Conflict of Interest
In our news organization, we are committed to avoiding any conflict of interest—or the appearance of one—as much as possible. To that end, we’ve adopted strict policies, which we acknowledge may be more rigorous than those common in the private business world.
Commitment to Independence
We ensure we have no interests, investments, or business relationships that could compromise our objectivity. We maintain an impartial and distant stance toward any attempt to influence our news.
Our Key Policies
- We pay our own way: We do not accept gifts from news sources.
- We do not accept free trips: We avoid any preferential treatment due to our positions.
- Free admission to any event not open to the public is prohibited, unless the seat was not sold to the public, such as a press box or tickets provided for a critic’s review.
Whenever possible, arrangements are made to cover the cost of such seats. We do not accept payments, whether fees or expenses, from governments, government-funded organizations, groups of public officials, political groups, or organizations that take positions on controversial issues.
Payment Policy
A reporter or editor may not accept payments from any person, company, or organization they cover. We must avoid accepting money from individuals, companies, trade associations, or organizations that lobby the government or try to influence the topics our publication covers.
Editorial Guidelines
If editors believe content with potentially offensive material has legitimate news value, they must include visual and/or text warnings. This ensures that readers are adequately informed before encountering disturbing materials.
- Use of visual and text warnings.
- Careful assessment of newsworthiness.
- Executive editor approval for obscenities.
Warning Example
For instance, we might link to a website that contains material not meeting the Post’s original content standards. In such a case, we would inform users about what they may encounter before clicking, with a warning like: “Warning: Some images on this site contain graphic war imagery.”
The Journalist’s Role
Even in the internet age, where it’s increasingly difficult, reporters should strive to remain observers—working behind the scenes rather than becoming the stars. Their mission is to report the news, not create it.
In pursuit of truth, journalists…
- Must not misrepresent their identity or profession.
- Must not pose as police officers, doctors, or anything other than journalists.
Verification and Fact-Checking Standards
Futbolete reporters are primarily responsible for reporting, writing, and verifying their stories. These accounts are subject to review by one or more editors.
- Correction policy:
- Source policy:
Correction Policy
We acknowledge that mistakes can happen. When they do, we correct the information as soon as possible and are transparent about what was wrong and what is correct, so the scope of the error is clear. We correct all errors, no matter how small or how quickly we catch them after publication.
To report a possible error, please email [email protected].
Source Policy
Futbolete is committed to disclosing to readers the sources of information in our news reports as much as possible.
In our effort to maintain transparency in reporting, we strive for our readers to understand how and where we obtain our information. Honesty and fairness are two core values we deeply respect.
Commitment to Verification
We do not promise our sources that we won’t pursue further reporting or make efforts to verify the information they provide. Our goal is always accuracy and reliability in what we publish.
True Identities
We do not use pseudonyms or mislead our readers about the identities of people in our stories. In the rare instances when we decide to identify someone differently than by their full name, we do so transparently, such as using only a first name.
- Editors must be involved in decisions to provide incomplete names.
- It’s important to explain to readers why full names are not used.
Attribution
It’s essential to be honest about the source of our information. Facts and quotes in an article not based on our own reporting must be properly attributed. Attribution of material from other outlets must be complete. In our publication, plagiarism is not allowed.
Readers must be able to distinguish between what the reporter directly witnessed and what was obtained from other sources, such as news wires, pool reporters, emails, websites, etc.
We place high value on original reporting. We expect our reporters to see and experience as much of the story as possible and to speak with as many participants as they can.
- We do not mislead our sources.
- Complete and accurate attribution.
- Plagiarism is prohibited.
- Credit must be given to other publications when needed.
- Emphasis on original reporting.
By following these guidelines, we maintain the integrity of our journalism and ensure our readers receive accurate and trustworthy information.
Transparency and Disclosure
Transparency in the use of AI is a challenge, especially since this technology does not always disclose its information sources. Until that changes, journalists should treat AI-generated content as a “off-the-record” source. That means while it may offer useful ideas and leads, all information must be verified with an “on-the-record” source.
Accuracy and Verification
If the use of AI-assisted content is approved, it is vital that journalists disclose to the audience the use of this technology and its inherent limitations. Before using such content in news coverage, thorough verification is required to ensure its accuracy and truthfulness. Journalists are responsible for ensuring the information they present is correct and error-free.
- Inform the audience about the use of AI.
- Confirm information with reliable sources.
- Verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.
Key Considerations
- Maintain a high level of transparency at all times.
- Ensure the information is verifiable and accurate.
- Clearly communicate the limitations of AI.
In the dynamic world of journalism, the use of AI-generated content brings new challenges and opportunities. Here, we explore how journalists can integrate these tools into their daily work while maintaining the integrity and quality that define their profession.
Supervision and Approval
Any use of visual AI requires approval from a chief editor or a senior role such as photo/video director or standards editor. This level of oversight ensures responsible and ethical use of the technology.
Privacy and Data Protection
It is essential that journalists ensure AI-generated content respects individuals’ right to privacy. Additionally, any data used to generate such content must be collected and used in accordance with data protection laws.
- Respect individual privacy.
- Comply with data protection laws.