A Code of Conduct For Reporters

Rules To Live By On The Job

• Always clearly identify yourself as a reporter whenever you're interviewing someone. Never try to deceive or mislead anyone.
• Always make it clear to people you're interviewing that you're writing an article that could be published.
• Always be polite and courteous with people you're interviewing, even if they are not.
• Never get into verbal or physical confrontations with people you're interviewing. If someone you're interviewing becomes agitated or threatening, leave immediately.
• Never state your opinions or inject yourself into any event you cover, such as protests, rallies or public comment forums. As a reporter you're there as a professional observer, not a participant.
• If someone tries to offer you a bribe or inducement in exchange for writing a favorable article about them, refuse. Let your editor know what has happened.

http://journalism.about.com/od/ethicsprofessionalism/a/codeofconduct.htm