The Vashon Loop Code of Ethics
If you think anything matters more than ethics in journalism...you're missing the whole point. The Power of the Pen must not be underestimated or treated lightly.
Friday, December 23rd, 2022
Dear Freedom Friends,
On January 1st, 2023, we will launch our Vashon Loop Substack. The purpose is clear. To share our awesome local content more broadly, with readers who seek ethical journalism, and we hope to gain economic support for our business venture from readers, near and far.
The Vashon Loop is an LLC. We are an Editorial/Ownership Team of five members (three families). So far, we are coming close to breaking even, but it’s a challenge. Publication costs have doubled since one year ago, and we are not willing to raise our advertising rates.
In the past, The Vashon Loop has been offered 100% free of charge to readers, surviving entirely on advertising fees. To continue to lean on our local business owners would be to create a hardship for them, as they face a tsunami of inflated prices which must be passed on to consumers.
We seek a better way forward, leaning on diversification! Not all of us are lucky enough to have an independent and locally owned newspaper. If you live in one of the many towns and cities, where media has been successfully co-opted by corporations and media mogul families, we offer you a different - and better - option.
All we ask in return, is that you support us as you would any other amazing Substack.
On January 1st, 2023, please check out our new Vashon Loop Substack. We will offer a variety of subscriber options, for all budgets. Thank you for your support.
And now! Let me share with you the first of our
Editorial Ethics Columns:
Adapted from the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
Journalism is not to be undertaken lightly. Indeed, the mighty power of the pen is first and foremost a responsibility. Words can be both weapon and tool, constructive or destructive, sincerely meant or wielded disingenuously for selfish gain. That is why, as members of the Society for Professional Journalists, we plan to adhere to, learn from, and rely upon the SPJ Code of Ethics.
Each month, we’ll highlight one of the four foundational principles of ethical journalism and ruminate on how and why ethics in journalism matter. Here, we share with you the SPJ Code of Ethics Preamble:
“Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair, and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity. The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.”
The Four Foundational Principles of Ethical Journalism
Seek Truth and Report It
Minimize Harm
Act Independently
Be Accountable and Transparent