With the media as a fabulous tool and a dangerous weapon, journalists have to decide how much integrity they want to exercise in this business. In my opinion, it is best to be a good person. That way, if people know you for being a fair, honest reporter, they will be more likely to talk to you and give you an excellent story.
Keeping that snippet in mind, journalists really should consider living by the phrase "treat others as how you would want to be treated". They should also live by other mantras, including these three:
1. A journalist should never be a friendly dog when reporting then go snake at the keyboard
2. Journalists should follow the facts where they lead, especially if that's somewhere unexpected and uncomfortable.
3. Never say you're unbiased. You are biased. The best journalists mitigate their biases; they don't hide them.
I chose these three because one of my goals in life is to be a very compassionate person. The first "never do", the one where it mentions being a friendly dog, is what I always try to do when reporting. If you are friendly and fun, people will be more willing to talk with you and work with you on a story.
Secondly, following the facts is less likely to get you in trouble. As Rob reminds us, the truth is your best bet. Also, facts are what people want. People want the truth. And some things are meant to be told. Uncomfortable things need to be discussed.
As for the third quote, there is so much truth to it. No matter what a person will be biased, even if it is just slightly. As a reporter, it is our duty to put aside our facts to "get the story".
These three items came from this site. Poynter is working on compiling 100 items (they are not there yet). They are receiving tips from Twitter and emails. A few of these "never do's" are similarly found in Tim Harrower's book "Inside Reporting".
