Science Investigative Reporting: Drone Journalism
Journ 7050 (93) Communications Practice
SciAgJ 4415 (2) Current Issues in Science Journalism
Spring Semester 2013
Credit: 3 hours
Time & Location: Monday 1-5 p.m. in the Futures Lab, 42 RJI (Lat = 38.977331°, Lon = -92.327924°,
elev 216m). Course includes periodic field trips. (Additional assignment for graduate students.)
Instructor:
Bill Allen, Assistant Professor of Science Journalism (for bio, follow QR code)
Science and Agricultural Journalism Program, CAFNR
Journalism Studies Department, Missouri School of Journalism
allenwi@missouri.edu; (573) 884-7863
Office Hours: by appointment (110 Gentry Hall or 76J Gannett Hall)
Prerequisites: J 4450/7450 or equivalent. Instructor consent. (Students from any interest area welcome.)
Collaborators:
Scott Pham, Content Director, KBIA Public Radio
Matthew Dickinson, Instructor & System Administrator, Computer Science & IT Program
Background:
This course introduces students to investigative reporting on environmental, agricultural and natural
resource subjects using new technologies.
For spring semester 2013 the technology is drones, also known as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The
students in this course will work on researching the use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones to pursue
engaging, innovative, responsible public-service journalism stories of high caliber. Our vision is to help
lead the journalism profession legally, ethically, responsibly and innovatively into a new frontier of
public-service news coverage using this new technology. We anticipate great possibilities but also major
technical and storytelling hurdles in doing drone journalism, and we aim to discover them and analyze
them in ways that will help build a pathway for future journalists.
Our attitude must be one of journalism researchers combined with journalists. We must remain positive
but skeptical about journalism drones. Drone journalism is not a done deal, and that is why this is
fundamentally a research-oriented course. We are anxious to explore the new approaches to informationgathering and storytelling that this new technology promises. But we also must remember that we cannot
be advocates for journalism drones, at least not until the research is done and the evidence is in. We must
answer a fundamental question by our work this semester: “Can we fly this technology legally, ethically,
safely and effectively to do good public-service journalism?”
Our profession awaits our findings.
By taking this course, students will:
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Learn the basics of civilian drones, including how to fly them.
Learn the ethical, legal and other aspects of doing professional drone journalism.
Brainstorm story ideas creatively, with neither fear nor favor.
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Work in teams under the direction of the course instructor, who will serve as managing editor.
Conduct research by flying drones to report small and large stories, including explanatory and
investigative projects — all in the public service.
Produce several drone-based stories in consultation with the instructor and collaborators.
Do any necessary non-drone research and reporting to support their stories.
Analyze, in writing assignments, their experiences, insights, impressions, difficulties, challenges
and thoughts on how to solve them. Also, other key issues confronted, how they were addressed,
lessons learned, reflections of any kind, and advice for future drone journalists.
Be flexible, as any true pioneer is.
Uphold the standards of excellence of the Missouri School of Journalism and responsible
professional journalism at all times.
If successful, students in this course will get:
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An opportunity to succeed researching the use of UAVs to do team-based field journalism.
A chance to produce great stories for various platforms of KBIA-FM public radio.
The thrill of pioneering and all the adventure, brainstorming and fun that come with that.
A leg up on a new frontier of journalism, and the marketability that comes with that.
A learning experience that will help you to be a better journalist.
Reading Materials:
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Readings in this class will be distributed to students generally as digital files or URLs, or will be
left to the student to seek out independently through MU and other databases.
Course references: Webster’s New World College Dictionary and Associated Press Stylebook.
Instructor Responsibilities: Bill Allen and collaborators will do everything possible to conduct this
learning experience in a meaningful, useful, stimulating and enjoyable way. They will ensure that we
travel safely in class discussions and during field-reporting trips. They will help students whenever
possible. They will maintain a spirit of exploration and discovery and encourage high standards of
conduct and intellectual rigor. They will be responsive to student interests, needs and requests. They will
maintain an optimal learning environment.
Student Responsibilities: Students must accept responsibility for:
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Learning, and telling the instructor when they are not learning.
Setting and sticking to deadlines. Completing reading, research and writing assignments on time.
Taking an active part in discussions and work at MU and on field trips by embracing the
challenge and intensity of them with professionalism and a positive spirit.
Taking advantage of the experience and knowledge of the instructor, collaborators and guests.
Conducting themselves with poise, integrity, intellectual curiosity and otherwise in a manner
which reflects honorably on them, their family, MU and U.S. journalism.
Knowing and strictly abiding by the philosophical, ethical and legal compasses of this course.
Our Philosophical, Ethical and Legal Compasses: Students must know and strictly abide by all
applicable laws (air space, privacy, etc.) and FAA regulations. In addition, students must know and
strictly abide by the set of ethical principles and philosophies embodied in the words of the following, as
detailed in Appendix 1:
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
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The SPJ Code of Ethics
National Public Radio
The Walter Williams Creed
The Joseph Pulitzer Platform
The mission statement of Investigative Reporters and Editors
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Support for this Course comes from the MU Interdisciplinary Innovations Fund, Carnegie Corporation
of New York, Mizzou Advantage and the Science and Agricultural Journalism Program.
Course Schedule: (We only have 14 weeks!)
(Due to the ongoing research nature of this subject and course, readings and videos will be assigned as
new findings and current events dictate.)
Week 1: Jan. 28:
1:00
Introduction to the course, participants, team structure. Story ideas. UAVs 101.
Flight School (weather permitting). Return to campus by 5 p.m.
Week 2: Feb. 4: Assignment due: Read Appendix 1, including SPJ Code of Ethics. Also, selections
from the AP Stylebook “Briefing on Media Law.” As always from here on through
the semester, various other readings and videos.
1:00 “Legal Issues in Drone Journalism.” Troy A. Rule, associate professor, MU
School of Law.
2:00 Story idea session
2:30 “Thoughts on Drones and the Law.” Charles Davis and David Wolfgang,
Missouri School of Journalism.
3:30 Flight School (Flight School will continue weekly or more often as needed.)
Week 3: Feb. 11: Assignment due: story proposal 1. Email to all by Monday morning.
TBD and story proposal discussion.
Week 4: Feb. 18: Assignment due: oral report on story 1 progress
Discuss story progress. Other TBD.
Week 5: Feb. 25: Assignment due: Story 1
Present and discuss stories. Other TBD.
Feb. 27: Assignment due: “How I Did Story 1” (Email to all.)
Week 6: March 4: Assignment due: Story proposal 2. Email to all by Monday morning.
Discuss story proposals. Other TBD.
Week 7: March 11: Assignment due: oral report on story 2 progress
Discuss story progress. Other TBD.
Week 8: March 18: Assignment due: Story 2.
Present and discuss stories. Other TBD.
March 20: Assignment due: “How I Did Story 2”
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--------------------------------------- SPRING BREAK --------------------------------------Week 9: April 1: Assignment due: Final project idea.
April 3: Final project story proposal.
Week 10: April 8: Assignment due: report on final project progress
Discuss story progress. Other TBD.
Week 11: April 15: Assignment due: report on final project progress
Discuss story progress. Other TBD.
Week 12: April 22: Assignment due: report on final project progress
Discuss story progress. Other TBD.
Week 13: April 29: Assignment due: Final project.
Present and discuss stories in class. Other TBD.
May 1: Assignment due: “How I Did the Final Project”
Week 14: May 6: Final class. Assignment due: Final project presentation.
1:00 Discussion, set up
2:00 Public presentation/discussion.
4:00 Final private class meeting/assessment, evaluations, celebration.
No final exam.
Graduate student additional assignment: To be determined.
Grading
Class Activity
Participation
Story 1 proposal
Story 1
How I Did the Story 1
Story 2 proposal
Story 2
How I Did the Story 2
Final Project proposal
Final Project
How I Did the FinProj
Other assignments*
Grad assignment
Total
Pts Possible:
UG
125
5
25
15
10
50
20
20
100
30
?
(not required)
400+
Grading Scale (+/-):
UG
90 – 100% = A
Pts Possible:
GRAD
125
Grading Scale:
GRAD
90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
25
10
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
Below 60% = F
50
15
Below 70% = F
100
25
?
50
450+
Format of Written Assignments
All written assignments should be turned in using a Word document attached to an email that is sent to the instructor
before the start of class on the due date. The Word document should include your name, date and page numbers. It
should have a file name consisting of your last name and the date due exactly as in this example: smith012913
would be the name Jennifer Smith would use for an assignment turned in on Jan. 29, 2013. Assignments should have
5
1-inch margins all around and be typed in 12-point font. Line and paragraph spacing don’t matter. Note: You’ll lose
significant points if your assignment is shorter or longer than the word count assigned.
Deadlines
The deadlines in this course must be met. Points lost if missed. Problems? Discuss well in advance with Bill.
Disruption of Our Learning Environment
Any student behavior that disrupts the learning environment I establish in my class will be penalized. This includes
arriving late and leaving early. Penalties range from loss of a few points up to dismissal from the course.
Use of Laptops
Use of laptops and other computers can be a disruption of our learning environment. They may not be used in class
unless the student gets permission from the instructor or unless required by instructor.
Other Electronic Devices
Use of cell phones or any other electronic device for texting, receiving calls, using the web or any other purpose is a
disruption of our learning environment. Before class turn OFF your electronic devices. Use of these devices after
class begins costs you points for each instance. Depending on the circumstances, the student may be asked to leave
the class for the day or the semester, and a classroom misconduct violation report may be filed with the university.
Attendance
Attendance is crucial for success in this course. Students who must miss class for legitimate personal reasons or preapproved university functions should contact the instructor well in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to do
readings and immediately make arrangements for makeup work.
Academic Honesty and Other Key Issues
All students must abide by the MU academic integrity guidelines. These binding guidelines, and additional,
important binding regulations, procedures and rights in this class, for which you will be held responsible, are
detailed in “Other Binding Statements” on our Blackboard site. This includes information on Academic Honesty
(including plagiarism), Classroom Misconduct, Dishonesty and Misconduct Reporting Procedures, Professional
Standards and Ethics, University of Missouri-Columbia Notice of Nondiscrimination, Religious Holidays and
Intellectual Pluralism.
Audio and Video Recordings of Classes
Students may make audio or video recordings of course activity for personal use and review unless specifically
prohibited by the faculty member in charge of the class. However, to foster a safe learning environment in which
various viewpoints are respected, the redistribution of audio or video recordings or transcripts thereof is prohibited
without the written permission of the faculty member in charge of the class and the permission of all students who
are recorded. (Collected Rules and Regs, MU, Sect. 200.015, Academic Inquiry, Course Discussion and Privacy)
Students with Disabilities
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, if you have emergency medical
information to share with me, or if you need to make arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please let
me know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a note taker,
extended time on exams, captioning), please register with the Office of Disability Services
(http://disabilityservices.missouri.edu), 882-4696, and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations.
For other resources for students with disabilities, click "Disability Resources" on the MU homepage.
Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover.
— Mark Twain
Appendix 1: Our Principles
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In addition to knowing and strictly abiding by all applicable laws (air space, privacy, etc.) and FAA
regulations, students in this course are required to know and strictly abide by the set of ethical principles
and philosophies embodied in the words of the following:
 The SPJ Code of Ethics
(http://www.spj.org/ethics_code.asp)
Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of
justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking
truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from
all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity
is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical
behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Seek Truth and Report It
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Journalists should:
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Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error.
Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
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Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations
of wrongdoing.
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Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on
sources' reliability.
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Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to
any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
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Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio,
graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight
incidents out of context.
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Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is
always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
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Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a
story, label it.
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Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional
open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as
part of the story
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Never plagiarize.
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Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is
unpopular to do so.
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Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
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Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation,
disability, physical appearance or social status.
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Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
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Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
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*
Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled
and not misrepresent fact or context.
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Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
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Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and
that government records are open to inspection.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Minimize Harm
Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.
Journalists should:
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Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special
sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
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Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or
grief.
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Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the
news is not a license for arrogance.
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Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than
do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can
justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
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Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
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Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
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Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
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Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Act Independently
Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.
Journalists should:
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Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
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Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
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Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment,
political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise
journalistic integrity.
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Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
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Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
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Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence
news coverage.
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Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Be Accountable
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Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.
Journalists should:
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Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.
*****************************************************************
2. NPR Ethics Handbook
(http://ethics.npr.org; See links in blue for important added detail)
This is NPR. And these are the standards of our journalism.
Our Mission
The mission of NPR, in partnership with its member stations, is to create a more informed public, one
challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and culture
within the United States and across the globe. To this end, NPR reports, produces, acquires and
distributes news, information and other content that meet the highest standards of public service in
journalism and cultural expression.
Our Guiding Principles
NPR is at its core a news organization. Our news content, whether on the radio, on the web, or in any
other form, must attain the highest quality and strengthen our credibility. We take pride in our craft. Our
journalism is as accurate, fair and complete as possible. Our journalists conduct their work with honesty
and respect, and they strive to be both independent and impartial in their efforts. Our methods are
transparent and we will be accountable for all we do.
We hold those who serve and influence the public to a high standard when we report about their actions.
We must ask no less of ourselves. Journalism is a daily process of painting an ever truer picture of the
world. Every step of this process - from reporting to editing to presenting information - may either
strengthen or erode the public’s trust in us. We work hard to be worthy of that trust and to protect it.
These principles are intended to guide our journalism, both as it is performed and as it is perceived, to
help us earn and keep the confidence of the public. The principles exist not only to answer questions, but
more importantly, to raise them. By regularly discussing and debating how these principles apply to our
work, we will produce journalism worthy of NPR’s name and the public we serve.
Overview
• About the handbook
• Seeking advice and approval
Accuracy
Our purpose is to pursue the truth. Diligent verification is critical. We take great care to ensure that
statements of fact in our journalism are both correct and in context. In our reporting, we rigorously
challenge both the claims we encounter and the assumptions we bring. We devote our resources and our
skills to presenting the fullest version of the truth we can deliver, placing the highest value on information
we have gathered and verified ourselves.
• Accuracy in our reporting
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• Using information from non-NPR sources
• Accuracy online
• Accuracy in visual journalism
Fairness
To tell the truest story possible, it is essential that we treat those we interview and report on with
scrupulous fairness, guided by a spirit of professionalism. We make every effort to gather responses from
those who are the subjects of criticism, unfavorable allegations or other negative assertions in our stories.
What we broadcast and put online is edited for time and clarity. Whenever we quote, edit or otherwise
interpret what people tell us, we aim to be faithful to their meaning, so our stories ring true to those we
interview. In all our stories, especially matters of controversy, we strive to consider the strongest
arguments we can find on all sides, seeking to deliver both nuance and clarity. Our goal is not to please
those whom we report on or to produce stories that create the appearance of balance, but to seek the truth.
• Fairness in presenting the news
• Fairness in reporting and interviewing
• Fairness to colleagues
• Fair use
Completeness
We do our best to report thoroughly and tell stories comprehensively. We won’t always have enough time
or space in one story to say everything we would like or quote everyone we would wish to include. But
errors of omission and partial truths can inflict great damage on our credibility, and stories delivered
without the context to fully understand them are incomplete. Our journalism includes diverse voices that
reflect our society and divergent views that contribute to informed debate. When we find that we can't
deliver all the answers to important questions, we explain what we don't yet know and work to fill any
gaps in our reporting.
• Telling the full story
• Completeness in reporting
Honesty
Journalists who conduct themselves honestly prove themselves worthy of trust. In the course of our work,
we are genuine and candid. We attribute information we receive from others, making perfectly clear to
our audience what information comes from which source. We avoid hyperbole and sensational conjecture.
We may sometimes construct hypotheticals to help explain issues and events, but we reveal any
fabrication, and do not otherwise mix fiction with our news reporting. We edit and present information
honestly, without deception, and we identify ourselves as NPR journalists when we report. Only in the
rarest of instances - such as when public safety is at issue, or when lives are at stake - might we disguise
our identity or intent when reporting. Before we take such a step, we engage in rigorous deliberation and
consider all alternatives. Then, when we tell the story, we fully disclose what we did and why.
• Honesty in reporting and interviewing
• Honesty in presenting information
• Honesty in visual journalism
• Honesty online
Independence
To secure the public’s trust, we must make it clear that our primary allegiance is to the public. Any
personal or professional interests that conflict with that allegiance, whether in appearance or in reality,
risk compromising our credibility. We are vigilant in disclosing to both our supervisors and the public any
circumstances where our loyalties may be divided - extending to the interests of spouses and other family
members - and when necessary, we recuse ourselves from related coverage. Under no circumstances do
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we skew our reports for personal gain, to help NPR's bottom line or to please those who fund us.
Decisions about what we cover and how we do our work are made by our journalists, not by those who
provide NPR with financial support.
• Conflicts of interest
• Interacting with funders
• Owning our news agenda
• Outside work
• Paying our own way
• Working for NPR while keeping the public first
Impartiality
Our experiences and perspectives are valuable assets to our journalism. We enjoy the right to robust
personal lives, yet we accept some unique professional obligations and limitations. Because our words
and actions can damage the public's opinion of NPR, we comport ourselves in ways that honor our
professional impartiality. We have opinions, like all people. But the public deserves factual reporting and
informed analysis without our opinions influencing what they hear or see. So we strive to report and
produce stories that transcend our biases and treat all views fairly. We aggressively challenge our own
perspectives and pursue a diverse range of others, aiming always to present the truth as completely as we
can tell it.
• Impartiality in our personal lives
• Impartiality as citizens and public figures
• Impartiality in our journalism
Transparency
To inspire confidence in our journalism, it is critical that we give the public the tools to evaluate our
work. We reveal as much as we practically can about how we discover and verify the facts we present.
We strive to make our decision-making process clear to the public, especially when we find ourselves
wrestling with tough choices. We disclose any relationships, whether with partners or funders, that might
appear to influence our coverage.
• Revealing our process
• Anonymous sources
Accountability
We take full responsibility for our work, so we must always be ready and willing to answer for it. Just as
careful attention to our sources makes a story stronger, careful listening to our public makes our
journalism better. So we welcome questions or criticisms from our stakeholders and to the best of our
ability, we respond. Mistakes are inevitable. When we make them, we correct them forthrightly, reflect on
what happened, and learn from them.
• Corrections
• Interacting with the public
• Accountability online
• Legal accountability
Respect
Everyone affected by our journalism deserves to be treated with decency and compassion. We are civil in
our actions and words, avoiding arrogance and hubris. We listen to others. When we ask tough questions,
we do so to seek answers -- not confrontations. We are sensitive to differences in attitudes and culture.
We minimize undue harm and take special care with those who are vulnerable or suffering. And with all
subjects of our coverage, we are mindful of their privacy as we fulfill our journalistic obligations.
• Respect for sources and subjects of coverage
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• Respect in sensitive circumstances
• Respect for our audience
Excellence
Our journalism is most valuable when we marry important truths with engaging narrative. We take
enormous pride in the craftsmanship of our storytelling and in the quality of the words, sounds and
images we use to help illuminate the world. When we edit, it is to add impact and clarity to our journalism
-- never to slant or distort. We don’t allow what is sensational to obscure what is significant. We aspire to
tell stories that rise above the maudlin and mundane, avoiding shallow sentimentality. Above all, we do
our best to faithfully and powerfully convey the truth.
• Excellence in storytelling
• Excellence in news judgment
Putting Principles Into Practice
We will fulfill the high standard we owe the public if we hold true to our principles. Doing so requires
that we embrace complexity and continually think through difficult decisions. While these principles
reinforce each other, they also are often in tension. In all situations, we balance them against one another,
striving to honor our mission. This statement is intended not only to serve as a guide, but also to provoke
ongoing discussion and deliberation - the keys to any ethical decision-making process. It should both test
and strengthen the moral compass that guides each of us in our work. It aims to foster a culture that
compels and empowers us to exercise our consciences each day. We believe it is our shared responsibility
to live up to these principles.
• How the handbook applies to you
• How the handbook will evolve
This is NPR and these are the standards we will uphold.
*****************************************************************
3. The Journalist’s Creed (by Walter Williams)
(from http://journalism.missouri.edu/jschool/#creed )
The Journalist’s Creed was written by the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, Walter
Williams. One century later, his declaration remains one of the clearest statements of the principles,
values and standards of journalists throughout the world. The plaque bearing the creed is located on
the main stairway to the second floor of Neff Hall.
I believe in the profession of journalism.
I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of
their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service
is betrayal of this trust.
I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good
journalism.
I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.
I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is
indefensible.
I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery
by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that
individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s
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dividends.
I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers;
that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of
good journalism is the measure of its public service.
I believe that the journalism which succeeds best — and best deserves success — fears God and
honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive,
tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always
unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the
mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human
brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting
international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for
today’s world.
4. The Pulitzer Platform
(http://www.rjionline.org/more-creeds-st-louis-post-dispatch)
On April 10, 1907, Joseph Pulitzer gave a speech on his retirement from the Post-Dispatch. His
speech outlined his guiding principles for the newspaper and for many years was published daily on
the front page or editorial page.
I know that my retirement will make no difference in its cardinal principles, that it will always fight
for progress and reform, never tolerate injustice or corruption, always fight demagogues of all parties,
never belong to any party, always oppose privileged classes and public plunderers, never lack
sympathy with the poor, always remain devoted to the public welfare, never be satisfied with
merely printing news, always be drastically independent, never be afraid to attack wrong, whether
by predatory plutocracy or predatory poverty.
*****************************************************************
5. The Mission Statement of Investigative Reporters and Editors
(http://ire.org/about/)
The mission of Investigative Reporters and Editors is to foster excellence in investigative journalism,
which is essential to a free society. We accomplish this by:
• Providing training, resources and a community of support to investigative journalists.
• Promoting high professional standards.
• Protecting the rights of investigative journalists.
• Ensuring the future of IRE
*****************************************************************
6. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
(http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.