The Editor's Desk

I noted here not too long ago that we were in the process of revising our newsroom ethics policy regarding employees’ involvement in political campaigns and causes. Our previous policy, written about eight years ago, had clearly become too abbreviated and unspecific to address the ever-increasing stream of difficult situations newspapers and journalists find themselves in.

No policy can cover every potential situation. But I thought our newsroom policy needed to give our staff and readers a clear idea of boundaries, while acknowledging that much in the middle will have to be examined a case at a time.

This policy speaks only to newsroom employees at The Wichita Eagle. Guidelines in non-newsgathering departments are less restrictive, as is the broader ethics policy of our parent company, the McClatchy Co. Most of this policy has been "unwritten understanding" for a long time. But as other papers have found, some things need to be written down so there’s no ambiguity.

Copy Desk Chief Michael Roehrman did substantial research of other papers’ policies and practices, and we asked our news staff for feedback on working drafts.

We expect an addition to this policy in the coming weeks, and will brief you on it here when we come to a decision on employees’ involvement in political caucuses.

Meanwhile, here’s the new policy:

Politics and campaigns

It’s not The Eagle’s intention to control employees’ private lives.

We support and encourage community volunteer work, and many activities have little, if any, potential to create a professional conflict of interest: participating in your child’s school parent organization, for example, or joining a youth mentoring program, your parish council or neighborhood association.

Other activities, though, can present the potential for a conflict.

Political involvement by newsroom staff can jeopardize our credibility and call our objectivity into question. Newsroom staff should always consult with a senior manager when in doubt about appropriate activities or affiliations.

Staff members cannot use their position to promote causes or campaigns, or allow their outside activities to compromise The Eagle’s impartiality or reputation.

To prevent an ethical conflict or the appearance of one, do not contribute money to or work for political campaigns or causes. Be wary of attending a rally, march, demonstration or party if the event is of a political nature. This includes concerts that donate ticket proceeds to a cause or candidate. If an activity creates even a slight potential for conflict of interest, consult with the managing editor or editor first.

Employees may not run for political office or accept appointment to public boards or commissions if those appointments present a conflict of interest or exploit the employee’s connection to The Wichita Eagle.

Avoid public expression of political views, such as participating in demonstrations or sporting political buttons, bumper stickers or yard signs, or signing petitions that take a side on issues or call for a ballot measure.

Be aware of political affiliations of any organizations you are considering joining, and avoid those that present a potential conflict through their activities, goals or financial contributions or backing.

If there is an activity that some may view as political and others may not, consult with the managing editor or editor before taking part.

While The Eagle can’t proscribe the activities of spouses, partners or close relatives, be aware of how others may link their actions to you. If any are working on a campaign or political cause, disclose this to a senior editor and do not participate in coverage or news judgments on the campaign or cause. Any other actions that can generate perception problems, such as donations or affiliations, should also be disclosed to a senior editor.
When religious activities enter the public political arena — for example, protests, campaigns or fund-raisers involving abortion, gay marriage, war and the like — employees should avoid those activities.

For voter registration, there is no need to declare yourself an independent if you prefer not to, especially since closed primaries in Kansas require voters to declare a party affiliation.

– Sherry