The Lantern’s Journalistic Integrity Policy
The Lantern staff strive to represent the epitome of journalistic integrity. We utilize the principles of ethos and logos in our stories, reporting nothing but the truth. We are aware our stories can have a significant impact on the businesses, institutions, and people around us, and we do our best to represent them in an accurate and honest way. We set and maintain a high standard of integrity.
The Lantern’s Human Sources Policy
The Lantern staff respect their sources and will always be truthful when quoting, paraphrasing, or reporting anything an interviewee has said. We do not publish “off the record” information and seek to be factually accurate. We strive to acquire the viewpoints of diverse worldviews, providing representation for many cultures, ethnic groups, economic backgrounds, and religions. Before an interview we prearrange “on the record,” “off the record,” “on background,” and “not for attribution” agreements to be respectful to these sources.
The Lantern’s Research Materials and Copyright Policy
The Lantern staff utilize sources such as magazines, books, research reports, polls, and other sources. However, we are careful to be objective when acquiring information from any source, and check the credibility of sources by comparing/contrasting the information with other sources to discover any contradictions. By doing so, we obtain accurate information for our stories. In addition, we always fact check our information for errors to maintain credibility. We do not publish copyright material and examine our material carefully for any copyright liabilities. We cite any pertinent sources that have been included in our stories.
The Lantern’s Privacy Policy
The Lantern staff does not take privacy lightly, and we seek to only report newsworthy stories. We do not expose the private information of anyone we interview or contact. We aspire to be considerate and discerning regarding public and private business. We seek to be up-front about our identity and purpose when conversing with sources. We only go undercover when absolutely legal and necessary; duplicity is not our policy.
The Lantern’s Conflicts of Interest Policy
As journalists, the Lantern staff attempt to steer clear of conflicts of interest. We refrain, unless necessary, from writing about personal friends and family members, so as to maintain objectivity. Quid pro quo is not our policy; our reporters always seek to be objective and unbiased in our writing.
The Lantern’s Legal Policy
The Lantern staff are extremely careful if the need arises to publish information that could represent an individual, business, or institution in a negative light; we always seek to report information in a truthful and sincere manner. The Lantern staff are aware that they are subject to all applicable laws and regulations, and do not undermine legality in pursuit of information.
The Lantern’s Policy on Impartiality
Objectivity and unbiased reporting are important to The Lantern staff. We present all opinions and sides of a controversy to our readers and back any personal opinions with fact.
The Lantern’s Quotations Policy
All quotes are recorded with accuracy and precision to ensure the impeccable recording of an interviewee’s exact statements. Paraphrases are diligently checked for accuracy and correct context.
The Lantern’s Plagiarism Policy
In keeping with the spirit of the University of Cincinnati’s general plagiarism policy, The Lantern staff scrupulously abstain from all forms of plagiarism and are aware it is a form of stealing, or intellectual dishonesty. We always state our sources and cite all ideas, theories, and facts that are not our own. Furthermore, we abstain from any form of fabrication or doctoring media, and from presenting any type of fictional information in our work as fact.
The Lantern was guided in the creation of its policies by the NYU Journalism Handbook for Students.