Sydney Morning Herald code of ethics

On its website, the Sydney Morning Herald sets out a code of ethics which apply to staff and freelance contributors. It states that the code "reflects the Fairfax group's corporate values statement and incorporates the code of ethics of the Australian Journalists Association."

In the subsection on "attribution", the code states that:


 * "Staff will seek to attribute information to its source. They will always declare the use of pseudonyms in their work. They will seek to avoid being compromised by a source and to use multiple sources wherever possible. Where a source seeks anonymity, the journalist shall first consider the source's motives and seek alternative attributable sources. Quotes not attributed to a named source will be used only with a section editor's approval. Where confidences are accepted the journalist will respect and protect them in all appropriate circumstances."

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