Editorial Standards and Independence

An informed public is vital to a democratic society. At KelownaNow.com and the Now Cities group, our journalism serves the public interest. We act independently, with fairness and respect, committed to factual reporting. Our Code of Ethics represents our guiding principles and for all practicing journalists within our network.

1. ACCURACY

We are committed to journalism that is accurate, reliable, and serves the public interest.

1.1 Source Attribution: We prioritize on-the-record sources, maintaining confidentiality only when it serves the public interest and protects sources from harm.
1.2 Ongoing Accuracy: We continually update and correct our news, ensuring the accuracy of information throughout the life cycle of a story.
1.3 Prompt Corrections: Errors affecting understanding will be corrected unambiguously and promptly.
1.4 Verifying Content: The commitment to accuracy extends to third-party and user-generated content.

2. FAIRNESS

Our journalism is impartial and unbiased, fostering the free exchange of ideas and respecting societal diversity.

2.1 Balanced Reporting: We ensure fairness and balance, avoiding personal biases in reporting. Commentary and editorializing are distinct from news coverage.
2.2 News and Advertising: News content is clearly distinguished from advertising and sponsorship.
2.3 Relevance of Characteristics: Reporting on personal characteristics is done only when relevant.
2.4 Fairness Queries: We are responsive to public concerns about fairness.

3. INDEPENDENCE

Our primary obligation is to the public interest, maintaining editorial independence against any interference.

3.1 Resisting Influence: We oppose attempts to influence our journalistic decisions, whether corporate, political, or other.
3.2 Ethical Journalism: We do not accept payments, gifts, or favors in exchange for news coverage.
3.3 Payment for Stories: Paying subjects or sources with vested interests is avoided, except for commentators or experts.
3.4 Owner Influence: We maintain fairness and balance in reporting news about our owners and resist owner interference.

4. INTEGRITY

We conduct ourselves with integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest and being transparent when they are unavoidable.

4.1 Authentic Representation: We avoid deceiving or misrepresenting ourselves, except in the public interest.
4.2 Transparency in Coverage: Rehearsed or recreated news segments are clearly identified.
4.3 Plagiarism Prohibition: We strictly avoid plagiarism and give proper attribution to others’ work.
4.4 Personal Opinions: We recognize that expressing personal opinions can affect our perceived impartiality.

5. RESPECT

Our conduct is respectful, considering editorial relevance and the public interest.

5.1 Dignity and Sensitivity: We respect the dignity of all, particularly children and the vulnerable.
5.2 Sensitivity in Reporting: We are sensitive and restrained in reporting potentially harmful content.
5.3 Decency in Interaction: We treat individuals with decency and avoid distorting events by our presence.
5.4 Avoiding Sensationalism: Sensational reporting is avoided.
5.5 Privacy Considerations: We respect privacy, infringing only for overriding public interest.