Decisions on Deadline (Poynter)

(From the ASNE / Poynter “Decisions on Deadline” ethics tool)

  1. Define the goal — What do you need to decide and when do you need to decide it?   The process should involve thinking  of everything we should and being able to justify a decision to people who disagree.
  2. Start with the facts — What do we know for sure? What has happened so far? What pieces of the puzzle are missing?  How might we be wrong? What are the facts from the point of view of those who might be harmed by our choice?  Doe we know enough to make this decision now? What else do we need to know?
  3. Know the journalistic purpose — What story do our readers, viewers, listeners need?     Why are we obliged to report this particular information?
  4. Consider the ethical principles at stake:
    — Professional: Serve the public interest, protect journalistic independence, inform the public;
    — Social: Do not jeopardize a life; minimize harm; act justly; help those in immediate need; keep promises; respect people; do not deceive.
  5. Identify the principles from 4  that collide —   Usually what brings you to consider ethical problems is the collision of two or more principles.   In this step, pick out the two or three principles that seem most applicable or relevant in this case.
  6. Identify the stakeholders –   Which of these are most affected? Which are the most vulnerable?
    1. Source
    2. Subject of the story
    3. Family of the subject or source
    4. Institution affected
    5. News organization
    6. Other news organizations
    7. Person Making the decision
    8. Journalist involved
  7. Identify your options — What alternative courses of action are possible? (Consider at least three)
  8. Evaluate your options — How are they informed by the principles you have identified
  9. Make a choice  — What should you do? What can be done to reduce the cost to a principle that is being outweighed in this case?  How can we minimize the harm to vulnerable  stakeholders?
  10. Test your thinking — Write a story explaining your reasoning. Whether it’s published or not, imagine that it will be seen by those sources named in the story, people hurt by the decision,  and others.
    1. We have decided to …
    2. We reached this decision after weighing …
    3. We also considered …
    4. We think this decision best upholds the principles of …
    5. We believe our obligation to _____ is outweighed in this case because …
    6. To reduce the  damage to _____ we will ….