Code of Ethics

It’s not easy to handle certain circumstances correctly; even though the SPJ Code of Ethics is put in place it can still get tricky. Very recently in a journalism class we were all discussing the issue that is paying for information and whether or not it is correct to pay for it. The SPJ Code of Ethics absolutely states against it but is that all correct? Although American journalism warns against it and finds it morally incorrect to have to pay for the truth, there are lots of other countries worldwide that beg to differ. In fact, according to journalism prof. Veraldi there are multiple newspapers from the US that have been known to pay for certain pieces of information.
The problem is, if someone has information that neither benefits or harms someone, they may not be willing to just give it out without any incentive. Below is the link containing all the rules and regulations one must follow as a journalist to always be on the fairer side of things. Look over it and give yourself some time to contemplate what you think may be right or wrong.

Click to access spj-code-of-ethics.pdf