Suncoast Searchlight Ethics & Editorial Independence Policy

Preamble: Suncoast Searchlight is committed to the core principles of journalism and democracy as articulated by the Society of Professional Journalists:

  • Seek truth and report it
  • Act independently
  • Minimize harm
  • Be accountable and transparent

We practice these principles in service of our community. Our staff will uphold the highest interpretation of the ethical standards articulated in this document. While it can’t address every possible question that may arise, the values and actions described in this document are meant to serve as guidance in both practice and spirit. When in doubt about their actions, journalists should seek advice from their editors and the executive editor.

Accuracy and transparency

  • We strive to ensure everything we publish is accurate and contextual. Facts and assertions are checked to ensure this.
  • We rely on anonymous sources when other avenues of attribution have been exhausted.
  • When we use an anonymous source, to the extent possible, we say why the person must be anonymous, and how they know what they know. Anonymous sources are used with approval by the executive editor.
  • We treat people and organizations fairly. We provide the opportunity for our sources and subjects of our stories to comment. Key stakeholders should not be surprised by our published work.
  • As journalists we represent ourselves to the public and to our sources truthfully. We don’t deceive others in pursuit of information.
  • When working with sources who may not be familiar with journalism, we take extra steps to ensure they understand we are journalists and where the information will appear.
  • We show our work. When referencing data, documents, or other original sources, we routinely provide links or other ways for audience members to see the material we relied on.
  • Off the record: The information cannot be used for publication. The source cannot be identified.
  • On background: The information can be published and the source will be identified as anonymous, in accordance with conditions stated above.
  • We take care to ensure that sources are quoted accurately and in context.
  • When working with our partners, we take care to ensure that these standards are the foundation of our collaborations.
  • We correct errors as quickly as possible. We note the correction in a place where readers who saw the error are likely to see the fix. We track our corrections.
  • We are accessible and responsive to the public we serve. Our email addresses are easily found on our stories and on our news site. We host opportunities for the public to meet us in person.

Managing conflicts of interest

  • Our reporting serves the interests and democratic needs of the residents of Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Suncoast Searchlight maintains independent control over our work.
  • If our journalists have close personal or financial ties to an issue, person or organization we are reporting on, they disclose it to the executive editor.
  • We turn down gifts or freebies valued at more than $25.
  • We do not pay for interviews or otherwise incentivize sources to participate in our work.
  • We avoid purchasing stock or investing directly in companies that we cover.
  • Because public faith in our work is critical to our mission, we keep our political views private. We don’t donate to political candidates or causes, sign petitions, participate in public protest or otherwise make public declarations of our personal political opinions. (This standard should not be used to limit expressions of identity. A good rule of thumb: Who you are cannot be a conflict of interest.)
  • We are transparent about our business model, including maintaining and publishing a current list of funders every year. We don’t accept anonymous donations above $5,000.
  • Our policies that guide our relationships with donors are kept up to date and can be found here.
  • When we are reporting on an organization or individual who has supported our work, we disclose the relationship in the reporting.
  • If staff members are considering outside employment, board service for an organization or freelance opportunities, they should seek permission from the executive editor, in writing. The executive editor will rely on the guidance in this document in granting or denying permission and will offer a reply in writing.

Social media and other public expressions

  • Every standard in this document applies to our activities on social media. Employees of Suncoast Searchlight always represent this news organization. Even private accounts are public statements. Because our credibility is our most important asset, our actions on social media will uphold the guidelines articulated in this document.

Process

These guidelines communicate expectations for everyone employed at Suncoast Searchlight and the journalism that we publish alone or with our partners. When questions arise, they will be thoroughly vetted with the executive editor and appropriate stakeholders, and we will make our decisions transparent both internally and externally.