Chapter 6
Journalism Ethics: Gift and Meal Ethics
By David Krajicek

			In this sidebar
			• Chicago Tribune • Los Angeles Times • Lincoln (Neb.)    Journal Star • Richmond (Va.)    Times-Dispatch • The Statesman    Journal, Salem,    Ore.

A sampling of gift and meal provisions from newspaper codes of ethics:

Chicago Tribune

• Complimentary tickets to a concert, political fundraiser or charity benefit may be accepted by a staff member who is covering that event. The Tribune also may pay for other staff to attend.
• Staff should not accept free tickets to an event for personal enjoyment, nor "special offers" aimed at members of the news media.
• No merchandise, cash, services or anything else of value should be solicited. Unsolicited merchandise whose value exceeds that of a key chain will be donated to charity by the newspaper.
• Merchandise should not be kept for a staffer's personal enjoyment. Exception: A staff member may keep a book or recording that was reviewed in the Tribune. Staffers may also keep unsolicited books sent to them as individuals by publishers or authors seeking attention for the work. In either case, such items may not be sold. Books or recordings sent to staffers strictly as gifts must be dealt with like any other gifts of significant value.

Los Angeles Times

• Politely refuse gifts from news sources or subjects or coverage, except those gifts of insignificant value. Books, tapes, CDs, etc., received for review should not be sold by staffers.
• Regarding meals, common sense and good manners should guide. A meal or drink with a news source may be perfectly acceptable with the understanding that they will be reciprocated at company expense when appropriate.

Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star

• The acceptance of gifts or preferential treatment compromises or gives the appearance of compromising the integrity of the newspaper. Employees generally shall not accept business-connected gifts, sample products or free services – but consider the intent. If the gift is from a business grateful for favorable publicity and hopeful for more in the future, return it politely with a note explaining the newspaper's policy. If the gift is small and from a reader delighted we wrote a nice feature about her grandson, accept it and acknowledge it graciously. If you have any doubt, return the gift politely – or if refusal would be awkward, donate the gift to charity or offer it as a prize to readers who contribute to the paper, then write to the donor explaining our policy. Gift or sample products that are of token or insignificant value (under $20), such as T-shirts, calendars, pencils or key chains, may be accepted. Bottles of liquor or wine shall be considered of more than token value and may not be kept.
• Whenever possible, we pay for our own meals. Use common sense and common courtesy when offered refreshments or food. A slice of pizza or any meal of less than $10 value is probably OK, but a prime rib dinner might give the perception that our coverage is being influenced.

Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch

• News employees may not accept gifts or services of more than nominal value from news sources and contacts, public relations and advertising firms, or event sponsors.
• News employees may accept occasional business meals from sources and contacts, and also may buy occasional meals for sources and contacts in accordance with newspaper policies. Employees should reciprocate in "picking up the tab" in periodic meal meetings with sources and contacts, and such expenses may be added to expense accounts.

The Statesman Journal, Salem, Ore.
The appearance of a conflict can be just as damaging as the reality.

• We will pay our own way, whenever appropriate. Journalists covering sporting events, plays, movie screenings and other events may attend without paying if that is the generally accepted practice.
• Do not keep unsolicited promotional freebies for personal use.
• Do not keep items of value given to us for doing our jobs. "Thank you" gifts may be common in other professions, but are considered borderline bribes in ours. The IRS standard of $25 retail value would be the outside limit, but many have a stricter standard.
• Whenever possible, pay for our own meals. Avoid "feeding at the trough" at media or promotional events, even if other journalists are doing it. Use common sense and common courtesy when offered refreshments or food.