How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Alyssa Vaccariello
av689614@ohio.edu

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dol-conflict-interest-rule-its-impact-investment-elizabeth/

Journalists are tasked with certain responsibilities to their audience. They are expected to approach stories objectively and report unbiased news. The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Code of Ethics states, "Professional electronic journalists should present the news with integrity and decency, avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest, and respect the dignity and intelligence of the audience as well as the subject of news."

Conflicts of interests pose one of the many ethical dilemmas journalists face. The mere appearance or assumption of a conflict of interest raises concern, even if there is nothing unethical about it. Learning to manage and avoid conflicts of interest is crucial to maintaining the public's trust in the media.

What is a conflict of interest?

In a conflict of interest situation, an individual has colliding loyalties or interests. Possible examples of conflicts of interest include:

• Situations in which public and private interests conflict
• Situations in which the professional is offered money beyond their salary 
• Situations in which personal interests become involved (family, friends, etc.)
• Situations in which outside employment might be involved 

What are the risks of conflicts of interest?

If a journalist is involved in a conflict of interest situation, it decreases the peoples' trust in the media and is potentially career-ending. For example, if the journalist is being paid by an outside source, or if they are closely acquainted with the source they're interviewing and this information is not disclosed, it presents clear biases and an inability to approach the story objectively. The audience needs to know if there is any outside or personal influence that is swaying the journalist in any way. Codes of ethics generally forbid any conflicts of interest. Even if there is no conflict of interest, the perception of conflict alone would be enough for the media to take action against the journalist.

How can journalists avoid conflicts of interest?

Handling conflicts of interest is best done by completely avoiding them or anything that could appear as such. Most professionals are required by either specific rules or laws to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Those with conflicts of interest are expected to recuse themselves from these situations. ThoughtCo. published an article that highlights some specific ways for reporters to avoid conflicts of interest:

• Don't get too close with sources and people that you cover... know the difference between establishing a working relationship and a friendship.
• Don't cover friends or family members. Period. People will not believe that you fairly interviewed them in an unbiased manner.
• Don't accept gifts or money from sources.
• Be careful with your open involvement in political or activist groups. It claims where your political views are, making it hard for the audience to believe that you're a neutral reporter.
• Don't engage in any public political activity, such as attending rallies and protests.
• Avoid any financial conflict. Don't hold stock in companies in your field of reporting.