These policies guide FTC Publications, Inc. journalism as we deliver news and information in a rapidly changing media environment. These guidelines are a “living document” that we will continually update based on feedback from our journalists, readers, and perceptions of our changing needs. Each case is unique. These guidelines should not be understood as establishing hard and fast rules or as covering every situation that might arise. It is not possible to purchase news coverage from FTC Publications. Coverage is based on the story and the public’s interest.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Some articles have images created using AI.
Conflict of interest
FTC Publications is pledged to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest wherever and whenever possible. We have adopted stringent policies on these issues.
Accepting Gifts or Payments
All employees of the news organization are prohibited from receiving gifts and trips. They also should not seek or accept preferential treatment because of their positions in the Media. Exceptions to this rule are few and evident since some employee-hosted meals may be accepted when they happen occasionally, with no ulterior motives involved.
The only exception is seats not sold to the public, as in a press box, or tickets provided for a critic’s review. Our journalists’ media credentials are strictly for editorial purposes, and no commercial endorsements would be provided to the issuer. Issuing a media credential does not guarantee positive coverage or any coverage at all.
We don’t accept payments from governments, government-funded organizations, political groups, or trade associations. We are not allowed to take money for anything that could be seen as an endorsement of our content, and we should avoid accepting payments from individuals who lobby the government to influence issues that might affect us in some way during coverage.
The exceptions to the reporter’s privilege include many organizations, including broadcast institutions and educational facilities. The only exception is if a reporter has been covering an institution or its events.
To maintain impartiality, we avoid involvement in partisan causes and organizations.
Copyright
This news site provides information and commentary of interest to the general public. The content, including any excerpts from copyrighted works, is used here under the fair use doctrine for the non-commercial purpose of commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Reusing copyrighted content on this non-commercial site constitutes fair use under Section 107 of the Copyright Act as it does not significantly impair the market for or value of the original works. The dissemination of this information and commentary serves the public interest.
Family Coverage
We remain objective by ensuring that relatives are not subject to our policies, but their employment or involvement can affect our objectivity. This is why family members should disclose any business ties with a company they work for or people near them who may be involved in social issues so as not to compromise integrity.
Bylines
Sometimes, you’ll see news articles from journalists other than our own. These outside professionals will help us cover the world and abide by journalistic standards. When this happens, the journalist and their home affiliation will be disclosed.
Social Media
With the emergence of social media, there are many ways to communicate with friends and family. Although this benefits our personal lives, we must be careful not to let it affect our integrity.
FTC Publications’ journalists are constantly mindful of their reputation and credibility with readers. Their personal social media opinions do not reflect the views of FTC Publications, Inc.