Thefoxdaily Network Principles of Ethical Conduct

I. Seeking and reporting the truth in a truthful way

• We will be honest in the way we gather, report and present news – with relevancy, persistence, context, thoroughness, balance, and fairness in mind.
• We will seek to gain understanding of the communities, individuals and issues we cover to provide an informed account of activities.
• We will hold factual information in editorials and other opinion pieces to the same standards of accuracy as news stories.
• We will treat information from unofficial sources, which may include social media, with skepticism and will seek to corroborate information.
• When considering news content created outside of the Network, we will factor the credibility of the source and weigh the value and accuracy of information provided.

II. Serving the public interest

• We will uphold First Amendment principles to serve the democratic process.
• We will be vigilant watchdogs of government and institutions that affect the public, fighting to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in public.
• We will seek solutions as well as expose problems and wrongdoing in order to effect change for the good in the communities we serve.
• We will provide public forums for diverse people and views.
• We will reflect and encourage understanding of the diverse segments of our community.
• We will provide editorial and community leadership.
• We will seek to promote understanding of complex issues.
• When sharing editorials and other opinion articles, we will encourage and promote views that foster understanding, insight and civil discourse. We seek to offer viewpoints that represent various views on a particular topic.
• We will consider providing free access to some news coverage during public safety emergencies and as a public service when appropriate, such as elections.

III. Exercising fair play

• We will treat people with respect and compassion.
• We will correct errors promptly.
• We will strive to include all sides relevant to a story. When news develops and we can’t include important perspectives immediately, we will share updates, including additional sources, when possible. We also will share attempts to reach sources who add value to the story.
• We will explain to audiences our journalistic processes to promote transparency and engagement.
• We will give particular attention to fairness in relations with people unaccustomed to dealing with the news media.
• We will use confidential sources as the sole basis for published information only as a last resort and under specific procedures that best serve the public’s right to know.

IV. Maintaining independence

• We will remain free of outside interests, investments or business relationships that may compromise the credibility of our news reporting.
• We will maintain an impartial, arm’s-length relationship with anyone seeking to influence the news.
• We will not support political campaigns or causes through the display of bumper stickers, signs, pins, public/private donations, participation in demonstrations, petitions or in social media posts.
• Individual viewpoints that might cause readers to question our impartiality in news coverage should remain private. This principle does not apply to those who are paid to write and share opinion.
• We will avoid potential conflicts of interest and eliminate inappropriate influence on content.
• We will be free of improper obligations to news sources, newsmakers and advertisers.
• We will not blur the line between advertising and editorial content. We will provide appropriate disclosures, exercise transparency and avoid actual or implicit commercial endorsements by our journalists.
• When sponsorships of news are appropriate, we will not allow them to determine, change or restrict content.

V. Acting with integrity

• We will act honorably and ethically in dealing with news sources, the public and our colleagues.
• We will obey the law.
• We will observe standards of decency.
• We will take responsibility for our decisions and consider the possible consequences of our actions.
• We will be conscientious in observing these principles.
• We will use technological tools with skill and thoughtfulness, avoiding approaches that skew facts, distort reality, or sensationalize events.
• We will not plagiarize or fabricate information.
• We will not alter photos, video or audio to misrepresent events or mislead audiences.

AI Usage Policy for Journalists

Purpose

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an increasingly valuable tool in publishing. However, the use of AI-generated content requires careful discussion with editors to clarify its purpose and production process. This policy provides ethical guidelines for written, visual, or audio AI-generated content, ensuring transparency, accuracy, fairness, and accountability in journalistic reporting. When AI-generated or AI-assisted content is deemed acceptable, the following principles apply:

Guidelines for AI Usage

• Transparency & Disclosure: AI systems lack transparency regarding their sources. Until sourcing transparency improves, AI-generated content should be treated like “off the record” information. AI may be used for generating ideas or leads, but all claims must be confirmed through verified, “on the record” sources.
• Accuracy & Verification: All AI-assisted content must be clearly disclosed to the audience, including its limitations. Journalists must verify the accuracy and factuality of AI-generated content before incorporating it into their reporting to ensure error-free delivery.
• Editorial Judgment: Professional judgment must guide the use of AI-generated content. Journalists must ensure all content aligns with established editorial standards and values.
• Fair Use: Legal and ethical considerations regarding fair use must be followed to avoid violating intellectual property rights when using AI-generated materials.
• AI Visual Tools (e.g., DALL·E): AI-generated visual content is illustrative and does not accurately reflect real situations. Any use of such visuals must meet strict standards and be fully disclosed to viewers. Gannett Policy: AI-generated photorealistic images are prohibited in news coverage. Any use requires prior approval from a managing editor, photo and video director, or standards editor.
• Privacy & Data Protection: AI-generated content must comply with all data protection laws and respect individuals’ privacy rights.
• Bias & Discrimination: Journalists must actively identify and mitigate potential biases in AI-generated content to avoid discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
• Safety & Security: The potential risks to public safety and security must be considered when using AI-generated content. Journalists must avoid contributing to disinformation or misinformation that could cause harm.
• Accountability & Responsibility: Journalists are fully accountable for errors or inaccuracies in AI-generated content. They must take corrective action promptly if errors are identified, maintaining their responsibility to their audience.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: AI-generated content should reflect the diversity of the audience, ensuring inclusivity in representation and perspectives.
• Training & Development: Journalists should receive proper training to use AI tools effectively and ethically. Ongoing education about the latest AI developments and their ethical implications is essential.

These ethical guidelines are designed to ensure that journalists use AI-generated content with transparency, accuracy, fairness, and accountability. Before utilizing any AI-generated content, journalists must have a discussion with their editor to clarify its purpose and production process. Additionally, an executive sponsor and editor’s approval are required for a project to move forward.

These guidelines aim to uphold the highest standards of journalism and maintain the trust of our audience. Thefoxdaily.com takes the use of AI-generated content seriously and has implemented safeguards to protect intellectual property and ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. Notably, Thefoxdaily.com does not use AI-generated photo-realistic images in news coverage.

As AI technology evolves, these guidelines may be periodically revised to address its changing ethical implications.