Journalism Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics is there to guide you it is organised under 4 headings:

1. Seek truth and report it
2. Minimize harm
3. Act independently
4. Be accountable

Why is the code of ethics needed?
It is needed as a reminder to journalists to always put forth their best effort while being honest on the job. It reminds us of  the rules that we must follow in order to be good journalists. 
http://scrippsmediaethics.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/are-codes-of-ethics-really-needed-in.html

• Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
• Your staffs code of ethics should specify guidelines for ensuring accuracy, objectivity.
• Act independently, free of obligation to any interest other than the publics right to know.
• Journalists should not recieve favours/gifts from anyone. the public may percieve this.
• They are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.
• Minimize harm, encorouge sensitivity when covering emotional news.
• Respectful of peoples privacy.
• Be a respectful journalist. sources should be reliable, not annonymous.
• Fabrication is unacceptable
• Non offensive language should be used. 

I have listed in this presentation 12 code of ethics that Journalists must follow.

Source: http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp