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Content Standards, Ethics & Practices 

 

I. Introduction PBS Western Reserve is committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and fairness. As a public media organization, we recognize our responsibility to provide trustworthy content that serves our community with impartiality and transparency. This policy outlines the ethical principles that guide our editorial decisions. 

 

II. Editorial Independence and Integrity PBS Western Reserve maintains full editorial independence from external influences, including funders, government entities, advertisers, and interest groups. Editorial decisions are made in the public interest, free from undue influence or conflicts of interest. 

 

III. Accuracy and Fairness 

  • We strive for accuracy in all content and correct errors promptly. 
  • Reporting must be thorough, well-sourced and fact-based. 
  • Diverse viewpoints are considered, ensuring balanced representation of issues. 
  • We provide appropriate context to avoid misleading impressions. 

 

IV. Transparency and Accountability 

  • Our editorial processes are transparent, and we disclose sources where appropriate. 
  • Potential conflicts of interest are publicly acknowledged. 
  • Corrections and clarifications are issued promptly when errors occur. 

 

V. Impartiality and Fairness 

  • Our content must not favor any political, religious or commercial interest. 
  • We do not advocate for specific policies or positions, except in cases of clear public interest where journalistic standards apply. 
  • Staff and contributors must disclose affiliations that could present conflicts of interest. 

 

VI. Editorial Independence from Funders 

  • Funders do not have editorial control over PBS Western Reserve’s content. 
  • Underwriters are acknowledged transparently, but their support does not influence our reporting. 
  • Content produced with external partnerships must meet PBS Western Reserve’s editorial standards. 

 

VII. Privacy and Sensitivity 

  • We respect individuals’ privacy and avoid unwarranted invasions. 
  • Sensitive content, including reporting on tragedies, is handled with care and respect. 
  • We obtain informed consent when reporting on vulnerable individuals. 

 

VIII. Use of Digital and Social Media 

  • Social media engagement follows the same ethical standards as our traditional reporting. 
  • Information shared online is verified before publication. 
  • Staff members must distinguish personal opinions from official PBS Western Reserve communications. 

 

IX. Editorial Review and Compliance 

  • Editors and senior staff review content to ensure adherence to this policy. 
  • Violations of this policy may result in corrective actions, including retractions, edits, or disciplinary measures. 

 

X. Updates and Amendments This policy is subject to periodic review to align with evolving journalistic standards and best practices. Updates will be communicated to all staff and contributors. 

PBS Western Reserve’s journalism and content creation is also guided by the PBS Standards and Practices. 

By adhering to this policy, PBS Western Reserve maintains the trust of our audience and fulfills our mission to inform, educate and inspire our community with high-quality, ethical journalism. 

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As a PBS member station, PBS Western Reserve also airs a selection of nationally distributed programs that have their own established standards. PBS Western Reserve has compiled them here for the purpose of transparency and ease of access: 

PBS Editorial Standards & Practices — All PBS content is subject to these standards, including PBS NEWS HOUR, WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC, PBS NEWS WEEKEND 

FRONTLINE Editorial Standards and Ethics, FRONTLINE Journalistic Guidelines 

BBC Editorial Guidelines 

WNET and Affiliates Production Guidelines (2017) — All content produced by WNET is subject to these guidelines, including AMANPOUR AND COMPANY, FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER, CONSUELO MACK WEALTHTRACK