Skip to content

Code of Ethics

Sammamish Independent Code of Ethics

Seek and report the truth

  • Report the news accurately, thoroughly and in context.
  • Be honest in the way we gather, report and present news.
  • Be persistent in the pursuit of the whole story.
  • Hold factual information in opinion columns and editorials to the same standards of accuracy as news stories
  • Seek to gain sufficient understanding of the communities, individuals and stories we cover to provide an informed account of activities.

Serve the public interest

  • Uphold First Amendment principles to serve the democratic process.
  • Be vigilant watchdogs of government and institutions that affect the public.
  • Provide the news and information that people need to function as effective citizens.
  • Provide a public forum through our Op-ed section for diverse people and views, and encourage understanding of diverse segments of our community.
  • Promote understanding of complex issues.

Exercise fair play

  • Treat people with dignity, respect and compassion.
  • Correct errors promptly.
  • Strive to include all sides relevant to a story and not take sides in coverage.
  • Explain to readers our journalistic processes.
  • Use unnamed sources only as a last resort.
  • Be accessible to readers.

Maintain independence

  • Avoid potential conflicts of interest.
  • Maintain an impartial relationship with anyone seeking to influence the news.
  • Be free of improper obligations to news sources, newsmakers and sponsors.
  • Clearly differentiate sponsored content from news.

Act with integrity

  • Act honorably and ethically.
  • Obey the law.
  • Observe common standards of decency.
  • Take responsibility for our decisions.