Ethics, Trust & The News: How journalists can build and support a culture of credibility

Separating fact from fiction has long been the journalist’s job. But in environments where multiple stakeholders are complicit in sourcing or profiting from mis- and dis-information campaigns, where can journalists turn to mindfully, ethically, and systematically navigate blatant attempts to circumvent the truth? 

Strong journalistic standards and systems can help to chart the course for combatting mis- and disinformation while rebuilding trust in the news media. 

Register now to join a virtual discussion among standards editors with national news outlets on Wednesday, April 17, where they will raise the curtain on the important discussions that guide their outlets’ coverage. From rigorously fact-checking reporting to framing global conflicts to language choices and beyond, they’ll share best practices and considerations journalists should make while serving the public. 

The virtual program, produced by the National Press Club Journalism Institute, will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET and be followed by a Q&A session. It’s part of the Institute’s four-part training series focused on ethics in the age of disinformation. The series, produced in part with funding from the Inasmuch Foundation, is designed to provide tools and best practices to support ethical, trustworthy journalism. 

Participants will learn: 

• The types of conversations that go on in newsrooms when determining coverage on difficult topics, especially those tied to crises and other disinformation-rich news events
• Factors to consider related to language choice, story/coverage framing, and other critical decisions made during the reporting and editing process 
• Practices to determine validity and value of crowd-sourced content 
• Coverage considerations that can impact civic participation

Panelists include: 

• Amanda Barrett, vice president of news, standards and inclusion for The Associated Press 
• Anita Kumar, senior managing editor, North America, and standards editor for POLITICO
• Natalia Mironova, editor of news standards and best practices for Voice of America
• Eileen O’Reilly, managing editor for standards and training for Axios and NPCJI board member
• David Peterkin, vice president of news practice for ABC News 
• Moderator: Ed Kelley, dean emeritus at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication and NPCJI board member

If you have questions about this program, please email National Press Club Journalism Institute Executive Director Beth Francesco at [email protected].

About NPCJI

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.