Ethics Policy

This Ethics Policy outlines the standards of conduct expected of all staff members, contributors, and contractors associated with Napa Tribune Media LLC and Napa Tribune.

Core Principles

Our journalism is guided by these core principles:

• Truth and Accuracy: We seek the truth and report it accurately
• Fairness: We treat all subjects of our reporting fairly and with respect
• Independence: We maintain editorial independence from outside interests
• Accountability: We are accountable to our readers and the public
• Transparency: We are transparent about our processes and decisions

Conflicts of Interest

We avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts:

• Staff members may not accept gifts, favors, or special treatment from sources or subjects of coverage
• Staff members must disclose any financial interests, relationships, or affiliations that could create a conflict of interest
• Staff members may not use their position for personal financial gain
• Staff members may not accept payment from sources for coverage
• Political activities by staff members must not compromise our credibility

Outside Employment

Staff members engaging in outside employment must:

• Disclose outside employment to management
• Ensure outside employment does not conflict with their duties at Napa Tribune
• Avoid working for organizations that are likely to be subjects of our coverage
• Not use Napa Tribune resources for outside employment

Financial Interests

Staff members must:

• Disclose any financial interests in companies or organizations that may be subjects of coverage
• Recuse themselves from coverage where they have a financial interest
• Avoid investments that could create conflicts of interest

Relationships with Sources

We maintain professional relationships with sources:

• We do not enter into relationships that could compromise our objectivity
• We do not promise favorable coverage in exchange for access or information
• We clearly distinguish between personal relationships and professional interactions
• We do not socialize with sources in ways that could create conflicts of interest

Attribution and Plagiarism

We respect intellectual property and give credit where it is due:

• We always attribute information to its original source
• We do not plagiarize content from other publications
• We clearly distinguish between our original reporting and aggregated content
• We obtain permission when using copyrighted material

Paid Content and Advertising

We maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising:

• Advertising content is clearly labeled as such
• Sponsored content is clearly distinguished from editorial content
• Advertisers do not influence editorial decisions
• Staff members do not write advertising content without clear disclosure

Social Media

Staff members using social media must:

• Maintain the same standards of accuracy and fairness as in our published content
• Avoid expressing personal opinions on controversial topics that could compromise our objectivity
• Clearly distinguish between personal views and professional commentary
• Respect the privacy of individuals when posting on social media

Anonymous Sources

We use anonymous sources sparingly and responsibly:

• We grant anonymity only when there is a clear public interest and the source faces potential harm
• We verify the credibility of anonymous sources to the best of our ability
• We explain to readers why a source was granted anonymity
• Management must approve the use of anonymous sources

Recording and Surveillance

We respect privacy and legal boundaries:

• We comply with all applicable laws regarding recording conversations
• We do not engage in illegal surveillance or hacking
• We use hidden cameras or recording devices only when there is a compelling public interest and when the information cannot be obtained through other means

Harassment and Discrimination

We are committed to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination:

• We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation
• We treat all colleagues, sources, and subjects with respect and dignity
• We do not engage in harassment in pursuit of a story

Enforcement

Violations of this Ethics Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. All staff members are expected to report potential violations to management.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our Ethics Policy or concerns about potential violations, please contact us:

• By email: [email protected]
• By mail: Napa Tribune Media LLC, 1230 Main Street, Suite 200, Napa, CA 94558