Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth
Its first loyalty is to citizens
Its essence is a discipline of verification
Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover
It must serve as an independent monitor of power
It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise
It must strive to keep the significant interesting and relevant
It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional
Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience
Citizens, too, have rights and responsibilities when it comes to the news
https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/what-is-journalism/elements-journalism/
Charles Tadros, M.D.
September 6, 2021
Saint Louis, Missouri