Ethics

This page covers our conflict of interest, donor transparency and editorial independence policies.

Board Conflict of Interest Policy

Objective:

The Board of College Brief recognizes the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity and avoiding conflicts of interest that could compromise the organization's mission, reputation, or the public's trust. This policy is established to provide guidelines for identifying, disclosing, and addressing conflicts of interest among board members.

Policy:

  • Definition of Conflict of Interest:
    • A conflict of interest arises when a board member's personal or financial interests could influence, or be perceived to influence, their ability to act in the best interest of College Brief.
  • Disclosure:
    • Board members are required to promptly disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Board Chair or an appropriate designated officer. This disclosure should include all relevant details regarding the nature and extent of the conflict.
  • Recusal:
    • Upon disclosure of a conflict of interest, the affected board member must recuse themselves from discussions and decisions related to the matter in question. The board member should not attempt to improperly influence the decision-making process.
  • Review and Approval:
    • The Board will review and evaluate each disclosed conflict of interest on a case-by-case basis. Board members with a conflict of interest may be asked to leave the room during discussions and will not participate in the final vote.
  • Documentation:
    • All disclosures, discussions, and resolutions related to conflicts of interest will be documented in the organization's records. This documentation will be retained for future reference and transparency.

Staff Conflict of Interest Policy

Objective:

College Brief is committed to maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity and impartiality. This Staff Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to provide guidelines for employees to identify, disclose, and address any conflicts that may arise between their personal or financial interests and their professional responsibilities.

Policy:

  • Definition of Conflict of Interest:
    • A conflict of interest occurs when a writer's personal or financial interests may interfere, or be perceived to interfere, with the objective and unbiased performance of their editorial duties at College Brief.
  • Disclosure:
    • Writers are required to promptly disclose any potential conflicts of interest to their editor. This disclosure should include all relevant details regarding the nature and extent of the conflict.
  • Assessment and Management:
    • The executive editors will assess the disclosed conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis. In collaboration with the writer and their editor, appropriate measures will be taken to manage, mitigate, or eliminate the conflict.
  • Recusal:
    • In cases where a conflict of interest cannot be effectively managed, writers may be asked to recuse themselves from specific assignments, decisions, or activities that could be influenced by the conflict.
  • Documentation:
    • All disclosures, assessments, and resolutions related to conflicts of interest will be documented in the organization's records. This documentation will be retained for future reference and transparency.

By adhering to these principles, our newsroom aims to foster public trust, credibility and a commitment to delivering news that serves the public interest.

Donor Transparency Policy

Objective:

College Brief Media is committed to transparency in its funding sources and operations. This Donor Transparency Policy outlines our commitment to openness and the ethical stewardship of financial support from donors.

Principles:

  • Disclosure of Donor Information:
    • College Brief Media will disclose the names of major donors who contribute a significant amount to our organization, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
  • Independence in Editorial Decision-Making:
    • Editorial decisions are made independently, free from any undue influence from donors or funders. Our news coverage is based on journalistic principles and serves the public interest.
  • No Editorial Control for Donors:
    • Donors, regardless of the size of their contribution, do not have control or input into the editorial content, selection of stories or the direction of our reporting.
  • Donor Categories:
    • Donor categories may be established based on the level of support, but these categories will not impact editorial decisions. Donors' names may be recognized in appropriate publications or materials, such as an annual report or website, based on their giving level.
  • Confidentiality of Small Donors:
    • To respect the privacy of small donors, their information will be kept confidential unless they explicitly provide consent for disclosure.
  • Non-Endorsement Policy
    • Acceptance of funding from a donor does not imply an endorsement of the donor's views, products, or services. Our editorial independence is paramount, and we maintain a clear separation between our editorial content and funding sources.

Reporting and Communication:

  • An annual report will be published, summarizing the organization's financial status and listing major donors. This report will be easily accessible to the public on our website.

Compliance with Applicable Laws:

  • College Brief Media will comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the disclosure of donor information, including those related to tax-exempt organizations.

Oversight and Accountability:

  • An advisory board will oversee the implementation of this policy, ensuring compliance and addressing any concerns related to donor transparency.

Review and Updates:

  • This Donor Transparency Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Updates will be made as needed to address evolving challenges and maintain the highest standards of transparency.

By adhering to this policy, College Brief Media aims to build and maintain the trust of its audience, stakeholders, and the broader community.

Editorial Independence Policy

Objective:

Our newsroom is committed to providing fair and accurate news coverage. To uphold the principles of journalistic integrity, we adhere to a policy of strict editorial independence. This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures that govern the separation of our news coverage from any undue influence.

Principles:

  • Independence from Ownership:
    • Our newsroom operates independently from the ownership and financial interests of the organization. Editorial decisions are based on journalistic values and standards rather than business considerations.
  • Political Neutrality:
    • We are committed to neutrality in political reporting. Our news coverage is free from partisan bias, and we do not endorse or support any political party, candidate, or ideology.
  • Advertiser Influence:
    • Advertisers and sponsors do not have any control over our editorial content. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editorial team based on journalistic criteria.
  • Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest:
    • Our journalists are expected to avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise the objectivity of their reporting. Any potential conflicts must be disclosed and addressed promptly.
  • Editorial Decision-Making:
    • Editorial decisions, including story selection, framing, and presentation, are made by the editorial team independently of external pressures. The editorial team is responsible for determining the news agenda and maintaining the newsroom&aspo;s standards.
  • Journalistic Integrity:
    • Our journalists are expected to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. This includes accuracy, fairness, and transparency in reporting. Corrections are promptly issued for any errors found in our content.
  • Protection of Sources:
    • We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of our sources. Journalists are not compelled to reveal their sources, and the editorial team defends the principles of press freedom.

Monitoring and Enforcement:

  • An advisory board oversees the adherence to this policy. Any concerns regarding potential violations of editorial independence are thoroughly investigated and corrective action is taken when necessary.

Review and Updates:

  • This editorial independence policy is subject to periodic review to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Updates are made as needed to address evolving challenges and maintain the highest standards of journalistic independence.

By adhering to these principles, our newsroom aims to foster public trust, credibility and a commitment to delivering news that serves the public interest.