Democrat and Chronicle

STANDARDS AND ETHICS

From the Editor:

You have been reading and hearing a lot these days about newspapers and credibility.

Many of you who read the Times-Union and the Democrat and Chronicle have taken the time to write letters or call on the telephone or meet with editors to express your concern about accuracy, fairness and balance in our news and editorial columns. You have wondered about our commitment to principles and ideals. You have told us of your impression that newspapers are not responsive to the needs and the interests of their readers, that we overlook the good works of many members of your communities, that we give undue emphasis to violence and crime in our news columns, that reporters are poorly trained for the complex subjects they must cover, and that we are isolated from the readers and the communities we serve.

It is clear that the public's suspicions about the fairness of newspapers are being translated into doubts about our performance. It is a situation that troubles us. We recognize that continued failure to correct the behavior that has given the public doubts about newspapers poses serious problems for the future.

Credibility and ethics are widely discussed subjects among newspaper editors and reporters. A number of professional newspaper organizations are studying or surveying these issues. They are asking basic questions. What does the reader mean by "bias?" Are the credibility problems of television rubbing off on newspapers? How do the manners and the behavior of reporters influence a news source's perception that a story is unfair? Would standards for performance and ethics help improve our standing in the eyes of our readers?

The news judgments we make each day can affect the lives of individuals and institutions in our community. We make such judgments with respect for the rights of individual newsmakers as well as the rights of our collective readership to learn about the society in which they live. We are alert to the issues of bias and credibility. We guard against them in preparing the daily news reports for the Times-Union and the Democrat and Chronicle. When we err, we seek to set the record straight.

The purpose of this publication is to help you understand the standards of excellence and the ethical principles that we have established for ourselves.

The standards that are printed on the following pages express the level of performance we expect in each of the many tasks performed by the journalists at our two newspapers. They are objectives that our reporters, copy editors, photographers and supervising editors strive to meet in producing the Democrat and Chronicle and the Times-Union each day. In a practical sense, the standards are a basis for teaching and training as well as for annual performance reviews and decisions on merit pay.

In the section following the standards, you will find written guidelines for ethics. They are a set of operating principles that guide our news staff members in dealing with the ethical dilemmas we encounter. The guidelines cover specific subjects, such as conflicts of interest, outside activities, investments, political activity, drugs, gambling and gifts. The idea behind the standards of excellence and the principles of ethics is to help us pursue integrity and to publish newspapers that embrace the qualities of accuracy, fairness and balance. If we can succeed, we also will have earned your trust.

If you wish additional copies of this publication or if you wish to comment on it or ask questions about it, please call or write.

Robert H. Giles

Editor

Times-Union Democrat and Chronicle

Awareness of the news

Members of the news staffs of the Times-Union and Democrat and Chronicle show sound knowledge of newsmakers, issues and events in the community and beyond. They read widely and thoroughly on a variety of topics not necessarily limited to their particular beat or assignment. They make a special effort to develop a deep working knowledge on topics related to their beat or assignment, keeping abreast of current issues, events and developments. They apply this knowledge to the reporting, writing and editing of stories.

Community awareness

News staffers have a keen sense of key figures, issues of the community, history, present problems and future needs. They draw from a strong working knowledge to identify the need for covering, developing and improving stories: whose obituary to write, which streets don't intersect, proper or inaccurate references to local people, places and things. They read widely and thoroughly on local topics and bring outside knowledge to news coverage and news judgment. They make frequent efforts to go into the community to meet with newsmakers and readers and to visit organizations that are in the news.

News of minorities

Staff members keep abreast of current issues, events and developments relating to minority communities. They are alert to the impact on minorities of events in the larger community. They use that knowledge to plan and carry out news coverage. They take the initiative to develop sources in the minority community and to gain perspective in covering minorities and minority points of view. News staffers are aware of the minority perspective or point of view and act to ensure that these elements are included in stories where appropriate. They spot subtleties in stories and headlines that may cast members of minority groups in an unfair light.

Legal awareness, sense of fairness

Staff members display solid knowledge of libel, privacy, youthful offender, open meetings and other laws related to news. They have the responsibility to ensure that stories are fair, balancing the public's need to know with the rights of individuals. Staffers use this knowledge effectively to identify material in stories that may be unfair or potentially libelous. They are sensitive to legal concerns. Reporters and editors consult on stories for which legal advice may be necessary. Staffers are prepared to respond to situations involving closed courtrooms, freedom of information issues and subpoenas. Decisions to seek advice from the newspaper's legal counsel are made in consultation with the Editor. Staffers ensure that all sides of an issue are represented fairly. They spot subtleties that may cast subjects in an unfair light. They avoid elements of bad taste. Situations that may require a published correction or clarification are acted on promptly after consultation with the Editor and the newspaper's counsel.

Reporting

Judgment

Reporters sense the importance, significance and impact of the story. They recognize when additional information, detail or clarification is needed in a story. They promptly alert editors to potential stories and know what treatment is appropriate in writing the story.

Coverage of beat, assignment

Reporters keep informed about the development of stories through routine channels on their beats or assignments, as well as by developing special knowledge and sources. They know the status of previously published stories and are alert to new ideas, issues, proposals and activities that may be newsworthy. Reporters are aware of the behind-the-scenes actions of newsmakers. They report not only what is happening, but why and how it is happening.

Producing enterprise stories

Reporters look beyond routine coverage for stories. These stories may add depth, perspective and analysis to the news. They may be stories that, because of their unusual natures, cannot be handled as part of the routine coverage of a beat or assignment.

Following stories

Reporters follow stories and report new developments. They know when important developments can be expected and they pursue them. They are aware of new angles and questions that should be answered, and routinely look at previous stories to determine whether an update is necessary. Reporters knows the status of important issues and proposals.

Gathering information

Reporters understand the process of gathering information for a story: where to go for information, who the best sources are and how to reach them. Reporters do so quickly and require little guidance from editors in gathering routine information. They do not rely on one source, but seek sufficient sources to provide fair, balanced and accurate coverage. If there is difficulty in gathering information, reporters quickly determine other approaches and/or sources and pursue the story. They consult with editors if problems persist, determine what basic questions must be asked and make every effort to get the answers. If necessary, reporters provide the background to put the story in perspective.

Using best possible sources

Reporters use the best possible sources for information included in stories. The best possible sources are those in the position to have first-hand knowledge of a subject.

Attributing information to sources

Reporters use attribution properly so that readers know the sources of information in a story. The attribution completely identifies sources. Conflicting opinions are attributed so that readers know who is offering each point of view. In stories that offer information from several sources, the attribution identifies each source. Reporters make every effort to get all news and quotes on the record. Anonymous sources are used only as a last resort and only after consultation with an editor. The identity of a confidential source is protected. When it is necessary to go off the record, reporters honor that commitment. This means that information taken off the record is not included in a story unless the same information is obtained independently from another source who is willing to be identified in the story.

Factually accurate information

Stories are factually accurate when submitted by reporters. Statistics, research, quotes and narrative are accurate and arranged in such a way as to convey an accurate context. An accurate context means representing all sides of the story fairly and completely. Reporters draw on as many sources as may be necessary to accomplish this. Even under pressure of deadline, reporters verify facts before submitting a story or they tell an editor of any information that is not satisfactorily verified.

Verifying identities, addresses

Names and addresses are verified using such references as phone books and directories. Reporters check the spelling of names and places. When questions arise, reporters go directly to the source, if possible, to verify information. Problems in verification are discussed with an editor.

Calling errors to editor's attention

When errors are discovered in a story, they are immediately called to the attention of an editor, regardless of their severity. Reporters alert editors when they have reason to believe any story in the paper contains an error, misrepresentation or inaccuracy.

Copy Editing

Critical judgment

Copy editors sense the impact of a story or a headline on readers. They catch and correct elements of bad taste or unfairness. Copy editors are alert to subtle nuances inferences to individuals and organizations, and in the meaning of words. They know when fair comment is lacking and when better balance is needed. Copy editors know how to fix these problems in stories and promptly alert appropriate editors when problems are found. They are careful to preserve the reporter's style and the story's intent.

Attributing information to sources

Copy editors make sure stories carry proper attribution so that readers know the sources of information. The attribution completely identifies the source. Conflicting opinions are always attributed so that readers know who is offering each side. In stories that offer information from several sources, attribution identifies each source. When confidential or anonymous sources appear in copy, copy editors verify that appropriate steps have been taken to get these sources on the record. They ascertain that the decision to use confidential or anonymous sources has the approval of an editor.

Identifying important story elements

Copy editors recognize important story elements and, where necessary, rearrange them effectively. They make sure that the lead of the story is based on proper criteria such as impact, local interest, timeliness, prominence, uniqueness or conflict. They make sure that elements such as quotations or statistics are used effectively to support the lead. Copy editors promptly alert editors to potential problems. They know how to repair a story and suggest improvements.

Organizing story

Copy editors know when story elements have been arranged in logical progression with clearly defined beginning, middle and end. They edit copy to meet these requirements, tightening, copy and rearranging elements in the story for clarity and readability. Copy editors promptly alert the appropriate editor to the need for changes. They always check with the reporter on substantive changes or with an editor if the reporter is not available.

Identifying the best headline angle

Copy editors recognize what the news is in each story and key the headline to the essence of the story. They select headline ideas based on proper criteria such as impact, local interest, timeliness, prominence, uniqueness or conflict. They assure that the headline represents all sides of an issue. Copy editors strive for the most timely headline and are alert to nuances or elements of bad taste. They make certain that the headline reflects the tone of the story.

Writing clear headlines

Copy editors strive to write a headline that is clear, crisp, inviting and easy to understand. The syntax is precise and easy to read. The words convey the exact meaning intended. Headline phrasing is direct and clear cut. Headlines avoid jargon, employ strong, forceful verbs and clear phrasing to make their meaning clear. The headlines are technically accurate without obscure or fuzzy words or concepts.

Supervisory Editors

News policy

Editors display a complete knowledge and understanding of news policies that determine how a specific story, photograph or illustration should be handled for publication. They understand community standards and consult with editors to ensure that career consideration is given to elements of a story or a photograph or an illustration that may be offensive to readers. Editors recognize those instances when news value may require exceptions to the policy and discuss a course of action with their editor. They explain policies to the staff to develop its understanding.

News judgment

Editors know which stories should be published and how they should be displayed. They balance significance, importance and interest of stories in determining what coverage and display, if any, is appropriate. They are sensitive to taste, policy and legal considerations. Editors identify the important elements in stories and know which should be followed, which need further reporting or graphics and whether timeliness is an issue.

Story ideas

Editors are aware of the community, the nation and the world, and changes in them. They are aware of issues, trends and ideas that may be newsworthy and may suggest related stories. They draw from a strong working knowledge to identify areas for coverage. They always are able to provide useful story ideas for reporters. Editors read extensively and are well informed on most major issues, especially those within the editor's area of responsibility. Their ideas are not limited to specialized areas, however, and indicate an awareness of the needs and interests of the total newspaper readership.

Story improvement

Editors recognize strengths and weaknesses in stories. They know when to leave a good story alone and when a story needs reworking. They understand when and how to preserve the writer's style. They work effectively with reporters to improve content, organization, clarity and readability. Editors recognize when additional factual material is needed, when standards of balance, fairness and taste have not been met. They see that changes are made before publication. In editing, editors do not introduce errors or reach unsubstantiated conclusions. They know when to coach reporters on rewriting stories and when to turn stories over to the copy desk for improvement.

Headlines

Editors recognize good and bad headlines. They make sure that bad ones are rewritten promptly. They have an excellent sense of the right headline count or size. When called upon to write headlines, editors do so effectively. They do not introduce errors in writing or rewriting headlines.

Photography

Content

Photographers are alert to the situation being photographed. They consider visual impact, timeliness, significance, conflict, uniqueness, personality, drama and emotion. They immediately recognize the elements necessary to tell the story. Photographs of people are candid when possible, capture the subject's personality, expression or mood, and show consideration of the background and the environment.

Representing situations accurately

All photographs are accurate representations of the situations they portray. Nothing recreated, staged or posed is represented as a candid situation. Previously shot photographs are not represented as fresh and new. Photographers are alert to situations in which straightforward photography might create an impression contrary to the facts. They avoid cropping a photograph in a way that would misrepresent the situation. They point out questionable photographs or situations and discuss proper treatment of them with editors.

Spot news photography

Photographers recognize and react to news situations as they unfold, using police and fire radios as a resource. They gain access to news situations, quickly assess the important elements in the situation and make dramatic, clean, graphic photographs that convey the essential information quickly. They produce a variety of photos, including overall shots and other secondary photos that aid in telling the story. Photographers gather as much information as deadline pressure allows from the most reliable sources on the scene. They notify editors of the situation on the scene. Photographs make the next edition whenever that is possible.

Captions and cutlines

Cutlines are factually accurate when submitted.Information is arranged in such a way as to convey an accurate representation in the context of what the photograph shows. Photographers check all names and addresses when taking the photograph, if possible. They also make routine use of reference sources to check accuracy of names and addresses. Even under pressure of deadline, photographers verify facts or tell photo editors of any information that has not been satisfactorily verified. They provide sufficient information upon which to base cutlines and seek additional detail or background that would enhance the cutlines and the caption (headline on the photograph).

Ethics

Our newspapers must remain free from governmental control and official coercion, outside influence and conflict of interest. We must maintain standards of conduct that will ensure the news is presented fairly, impartially and completely. These policies are intended to be a reference and a guide, written in the belief that, day after day, the conduct of our staff members sets a high standard of integrity. A code of ethics cannot describe every circumstance that could pose a conflict, cannot answer every question that might arise, cannot always spell out the correct course of conduct. Responsibility for avoiding potentially unethical or unfair situations rests with every staff member of the Democrat and Chronicle and the Times-Union. Specifically, the purpose of our code is threefold:

To set a tone of high purpose for our work as professional journalists.

To establish ground rules for specific situations.

To direct staff members to seek guidance in any circumstances in which potential conflicts could occur.

The integrity of the Democrat and Chronicle and the Times-Union is one of our most important assets. The behavior and the judgment of the individual members of the staff will influence how the public measures us. Because our actions attract public scrutiny, you will find repeated references in this guide to avoiding the appearance of a conflict. It should be thoroughly understood that the appearance of a conflict can be as damaging to our credibility as an actual conflict.

Outside activities

Outside activities fall into several categories: employment, free-lance writing, political activity, volunteer activities, television and radio, investments, violations of the law, drugs, gambling.

Employment

The first obligation of staff members is to perform the duties for which they are employed by the Democrat and Chronicle and the Times-Union. No outside employment shall be undertaken that would interfere with the staff member's duties for the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union. Writing for another local daily or weekly newspaper is considered a conflict. Work in publicity, public relations, sports promotion or advertising also is a conflict. Continuing employment by anyone other than the Gannett Rochester Newspapers must be approved in advance by the Editor.

Free-lance work

It is the practice of the Gannett Rochester Newspapers to permit free-lance work, including writing or taking pictures or creating illustrations, for publications that are not in direct competition with the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union. Free-lance writing, photography and art work shall be done on the employees' own time and with their own material and equipment. A staff member may accept a regular stringer assignment for a magazine or a newspaper that is not in direct competition with the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union. A staff member should notify his or her editor before accepting a stringing job.

Free-lance contributors to the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union are not bound by the same restrictions as regular employees. However, we encourage their understanding of our standards, since they represent our newspapers.

Political activity

In setting forth this guideline, it is not our intent to interfere with the rights of news staff members to exercise their duties as citizens. In general, it is our practice to discourage staff members from engaging in partisan political activities. This practice is based on the belief that staff members who are active in party politics or who work for individual candidates or for special cause create for the newspaper an apparent conflict that is difficult to disavow. Specifically, paid work for candidates, political parties and special issues is prohibited. It is our practice to discourage staff members from becoming candidates for elective or appointive public office. The Editor will consider individual cases in which a staff member believes there is a compelling reason for becoming a candidate. Volunteer work for a candidate or a political party or an issue -- including writing speeches or press releases -- must be approved in advance by the Editor. Participation in events such as political demonstrations, where a staff member could be involved unintentionally in making news, is discouraged.

Volunteer activities

The standard is that people who report, photograph,illustrate or edit the news should not be involved in making the news. Many community organizations, however, are not often in the news and welcome the talents and energies of individuals on our news staffs. We encourage participation on that basis in voluntary community organizations. Staff members may hold offices in groups that have a limited community impact and that do not fall in the normal range of coverage by the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union. Employees may not be involved in policy-making positions or act as spokespersons for major outside organizations.Staff members have an obligation to discuss a potential conflict with their editor.

A staff member who elects to become active in a social cause should recognize the potential for conflict and should discuss it with his/her editor. Participation in events such as public demonstrations, where a staff member could be involved unintentionally in making the news, is discouraged.

Television and radio

A staff member who is asked to appear on television or radio should seek approval from the Editor in advance. An appearance as a guest on a radio or television show often carries an invitation to offer commentary on news events. It is our obligation to explain to the appropriate officials at a radio or television station that questions inviting opinions on a news event or a newsmaker should be avoided.

A staff member may not enter into a commitment for a regular involvement with a radio or television station.

Investments

The intent of our policy is not to restrict employees from making investments, but to ensure that potential conflicts are discussed with news executives. Where there is any doubt about the appropriateness of an investment, it is the staff member's duty to seek a clarification from his or her editor.

As a general rule, a staff member should not invest in a business when such an investment could be expected to come into conflict with the staff member's duties. A business relationship between a staff member and a news source is not permitted.

Violations of the law

Situations in which staff members are apprehended and charged with violations of the law can influence public opinion of the newspapers and their staffs.

Minor domestic or traffic violations require no action by the company as long as they do not interfere with the employee's ability to do his or her job.

In the case of an alleged crime of a serious nature, a change in a staff member's assignment may be necessary, but decisions affecting continuing employment will be deferred until after the case is disposed of.

If an employee is unable to work while a criminal charge is pending, a leave of absence will be considered.

Following the disposition of the case, the Editor will review the staff member's status and assignment.

Normal policies on crime reporting will be observed in publishing charges and court action involving employees of Gannett Rochester Newspapers.

Drugs

The use or possession of non-prescription narcotics, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine or LSD, is illegal.

In establishing guidelines for drugs, it is understood that our purpose is to protect the good name of our newspapers and the individuals who work for them.

The use or possession of such drugs during working hours or on company property, including company vehicles, is forbidden.

While the use of such drugs by an employee on his or her own time may be considered a private activity, we all recognize that our actions can influence public opinion about the credibility of our newspapers and their staff members.

A staff member who is apprehended on charges of illegal possession or use of drugs can damage the public perception of our standards and our judgment.

Gambling

Gambling or betting is normally thought of as a private activity and not related to the job. However, behavior of a staff member that violates ethical and moral codes assumes greater significance because it influences the public perception of our newspapers.

It is not legal in New York state to place a bet. It is illegal in this state to take a bet or operate, promote or advance any gambling activity. In addition, federal law makes it illegal to use a telephone to transmit wagering information. The law makes no distinction between large and small betting operations.

No betting or gambling shall be done during working hours or on company property.

Using company property, including telephones and editing terminals, for the purposes of making wagers is prohibited.

Sportswriters have a special responsibility to avoid the appearance of being involved in gambling or with gamblers.Sportswriters and other staff members who bet must exercise discretion and avoid any situation that would compromise the integrity of reputation of the newspaper.

Specifically, the following situations should be avoided:

Betting by a staff member should not become a matter of public notoriety.

Staff members should not patronize illegal gambling parlors or places where bookmakers operate.

Staff members should avoid appearing at places where criminal enforcement of gambling laws might occur.

Staff members should not bet with news sources.

Staff members should not bet on teams they are covering.This could lead to allegations that stories about these teams were written in a way that could influence the odds.

Professional activities

Professional activities are those a staff member might engage in as a result of his or her employment by the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. Guidelines for professional activities fall into these categories: sources, plagiarism, impersonation, relationships, gifts and favors, tickets, meals, travel, books and recordings, connections.

Sources

The use of unidentified sources raises questions about the credibility and fairness of stories and about our ability to support our stories factually. Anonymous sources are to be avoided except as a last resort. Legitimate efforts must be made to get sources on the record: only when those efforts have been exhausted will the use of anonymous sources be considered.

The identities of all sources must be verified and disclosed to the editor responsible for handling the story and/or to the managing editor. In case of a lawsuit, the identities of sources may also need to be disclosed, on a privileged, confidential basis, to the newspaper's lawyer. Sources should be advised of this practice as necessary.

The identities of anonymous sources should never be disclosed to anyone else and certainly not discussed in casual newsroom conversations. Editors who are informed of sources'identities are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as are reporters.

Misleading information about the true identity of a source may not be used in a story, even to "throw off" suspicion. Information supplied by an anonymous source should be verified independently or confirmed by at least one other source.

The motive of an anonymous source should be fully examined.

We should avoid using anonymous sources on information that calls someone's judgment into question or on information that is a matter of opinion. In some cases, granting anonymity to sources may be the only way to get a fair assessment of an individual's performance. For example, in government and political stories, a subordinate's job may be jeopardized by offering public criticism of the boss. But the subordinate's view may be important to public understanding of the situation. It is appropriate, then, for an exception to be considered. Such exceptions must be discussed with and approved by an editor.

When an unidentified source must be used, the story should explain why the source's identity is being withheld. Enough information must be given to establish the source's authority to speak on the subject.

Plagiarism

Using the words or the illustrations of others -- writers, artists, or the publications in which their work appears -- is plagiarism. It is a form of deception and it violates the spirit of this code. We should not borrow the work of others unless credit is given to them. Questions about specific applications of this guideline should be discussed with an editor.

Impersonation

We should avoid impersonation. Posing as a prisoner or a mental patient or a salesperson or a public employee in order to report authoritatively rarely produces results that are significant enough to offset the risks that may result. There are two test for editors to consider in deciding whether to authorize a covert form of reporting. First, would misrepresentation by a reporter violate the rights of individuals that are guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment? Second, is the information being sought of such overwhelming public importance that a reporter can be allowed to undertake impersonation? In any case, a staff member who has a question about the appropriate way to report a story should consult with an editor.

Relationships

A staff member should not write or photograph or make news judgments about any individual related to him or her by blood or marriage or with whom the staff member has a close personal relationship. A staff member who is placed in a circumstance where this type of conflict becomes likely should advise his or her editor of the relationship.

Gifts and favors

We accept no business-related gifts or gratuities. This includes free rooms, reduced rates for members of the press, sample merchandise or any other no-or-low pay arrangement. Token gifts may be accepted if it would be awkward to send them back. Such gifts might include a pen, key chain, calendar or a similar item.

All other gifts will be returned to the donor with the explanation that it is in violation of our policy to accept gifts. Bottles of wine or liquor shall be considered gifts of more than token value and may not be kept.

Where it is impractical to return a gift, it will be given to a charity and the donor will be advised of the reason.

Over the years, many friends of the Gannett Rochester Newspapers have done favors for these newspapers and individual staff members for which the only motive was friendship. When we return a gift, decline a meal, a trip or some other favor, we must be certain that we leave no one with the feeling that we are rejecting an illicit proposition. Our appreciation of the offer should be made clear along with an explanation that our policy is as much for the protection of our news sources as it is for us.

Tickets

We pay our own way. If it is newsworthy, we'll pay to cover the story. Free tickets or passes to movies, theatrical productions, sports events, circuses, ice shows and other events for which the public is required to pay shall not be accepted by staff members. Working reporters and photographers assigned to cover sports events may use such facilities as press boxes, review seats, press rooms and photo labs. Where possible, the Gannett Rochester Newspapers will pay for the use of these accommodations.

Access to press boxes, press rooms and other facilities may be granted to other staff members only when it is necessary to development of information or skills.

It is a conflict of interest for a staff member to use his or her position, press pass or credentials to solicit, secure or accept free tickets.

Meals

No staff member should accept free drinks or free meals. As a practical matter, this policy acknowledges that staff members occasionally accept a social courtesy, such as a meal or a drink, from a news source. This is acceptable as long as it does not happen routinely and as long as the staff member repays the courtesy on another occasion.

Travel

When travel is required as part of an assignment, the company will pay travel expenses. If the travel is on a government, military or private airplane, the company will reimburse the appropriate company or agency for the cost of the trip. If that is not practical, the company will donate the value of the ticket to an appropriate charity.

It is a conflict of interest for a staff member to use his or her position, press pass or credentials to solicit, secure or accept free travel arrangements or accommodations. No staff member shall use his or her position or status with the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union to promote or advertise commercial travel programs or non-company travel.

Books and recordings

Free books, record albums and tape recordings will not be solicited. Books and recordings sent to the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union for review are accepted as news releases. They may not be sold. Individual books and recordings may be kept by the staff members assigned to review them. Books or recordings that are not reviewed will be given to charitable institutions.

Books that are of particular use to the staff will become part of the newspaper library. Books that are of value to specialists on the staff may be retained by them for reference.

Records or tapes purchased by Gannett Rochester Newspapers to be used as preparation for a review or an interview by a fulltime critic may be retained by those critics.

Books purchased by Gannett Rochester Newspapers to be used in preparation of an article by a staff member should become part of the newspaper library.

Non-perishable items purchased as props for photographs, illustrations or for product evaluation may not be kept by staff members for their personal use. It is preferable to find an appropriate charity for such items.

Books and records that are of insignificant value and are not desired by charitable institutions may, from time to time, be made available to anyone on the staff who wants them.

Connections

A staff member may not use his or her position at the Democrat and Chronicle or the Times-Union to obtain any benefit or advantage in commercial transactions and personal business. The standard shall be that no staff member should seek a commercial advantage beyond those available to the public.