Updated self-scoring profile helps you identify editorial ethics challenges
This revised self-scoring profile includes situations that ASBPE’s ethics committee addressed during the latest ethics code revision completed last year. Other matters were covered in Ethics News Updates’ debut issue or pulled from our previous self-scoring profile.
The 15 statements below require a “yes” or “no” response. A scoring key appears at the end of the list.
- Our publication has adopted an editorial ethics code or guideline. _____
- Our staff has developed special editorial guidelines covering advertiser-sponsored content, including native advertising. ______
- Our editorial ethics policies are posted on our Web site. ______
- Archived material is purged at a predetermined time. _____
- Requests to run blurbs on covers promoting advertiser material are rejected. _____
- All articles based on excerpts pulled from other media are fact-checked. _____
- We provide job applicants with an honest picture of personal and financial growth. _____
- Policy guidelines for contributing editors include a caution that submissions must be plagiarism-free. _____
- Articles based on original research accurately describe methodology and level of response. We never publish information based on poor methodology. _____
- In sponsored webinars (where advertiser/sponsor controls the content), the publisher – not the editor – fills moderator role. _____
- When we sponsor product excellence awards, advertisers and non-advertisers have an equal chance of winning. _____
- All advertiser copy must meet editorial standards for accuracy. _____
- I regularly devote time during working hours to using social media for personal matters. _____
- Ad contracts promise customer that an editor will help write advertorial copy. _____
- Our editors take bylines on articles that are merely PR item rewrites. _____
Scoring key: Each correct answer earns ten points; incorrect answer = 0 points. The last three items require a “no” answer. All other factors are “yes” worthy. Perfect score = 150. Passing grade = 120.