Please read the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics (https://www.spj.org/spj-code-of-ethics/) and reach out with any questions.
CLUB GUIDELINES
RESEARCH
Attribute all sources when making research notes.
Check out the author's profession. Are they a reliable source?
Note the year. Is this information outdated?
Do not use AI-generated summaries. They are not reliable enough to maintain accuracy.
Go to the source whenever possible.
If you're talking about a research study, go to the study report itself instead of articles about the study.
With images, search for first instance.
This should show you where the image was created. This comes in handy for checking if something was AI-generated.
Check what you think you know.
There's an old reporter saying: "If your mother says she loves you, check it out."
INTERVIEWS
Do not tell subjects they will be able to review any footage or responses.
We will not allow subjects to preview any part of the final product. If they are concerned that they misspoke or got something wrong, you can confirm facts they provided.
Frame your subject at a level angle.
Low angles uplift your subject; high angles diminish them.
Do not share interview questions with the subject before the interview.
They may end up rehearsing questions and sound robotic. It can also give them an unfair advantage over other subjects.
You can tell them what the interview will be about so they can prepare, but do not share specific questions.
Do not accept money or gifts from subjects.
Ensure subjects know their interview may be published.
Have a record of them giving permission.
If the interview is over the phone or Zoom, you must inform them that the call is being recorded.
Prioritize well-being and safety of subjects.
When interviewing a subject about something traumatic, be extra sensitive. Let them know they can skip any questions and take breaks.Â
If showing the subject's face, voice, or name would jeopardize their safety, take appropriate action to protect their identity. (We will have special procedures in these cases to ensure unedited content is secure.)
When doing street interviews, approach people who do not look busy. Say who you are and what you're doing. If they decline an interview, do not pressure them.
WRITING
All writing included in the final product of a project must be written entirely by you, or properly attributed to the source. The use of Large Language Models/Generative AI is not allowed due to plagiarism/ownership issues, accuracy concerns, and issues of security with information fed into these models.
EDITING
AI in tools like the transcript feature and Enhance Speech effect are fine to use.
Be mindful of what you keep versus cut. Are your edits benefitting one person over others? Are you cropping out important context? Are stylistic decisions messing with emotions?
GENERAL CONTENT STUFF
Do not share any media from the club Box or Slack with people outside of your group unless you get permission from an executive member and everyone involved in the production of that media.