What is it?
The SPJ Code of Ethics includes accuracy, harm considerations, independence, and accountability. This HAB exercise applies a relevance check to a reentry story.
Why would I need this?
Practice deciding whether a detail informs the story or merely exposes a person.
Show me.
- State the public-interest purpose of the story.
- Ask how each identifying detail serves that purpose.
- Consider the effect of publishing on the subject and other people.
- Verify essential facts and explain significant uncertainty.
Try it.
For an invented story about a training program, compare reporting the program process with publishing a participant’s home address.
Watch out for this.
A person’s agreement to an interview does not answer every editorial question about publishing others’ private information.
Explain this another way
Focus on one small task: decide which personal details a story needs. You can practice aloud, on paper, or with someone you trust.
Show me an example
HAB practice example: An editor explains the training process and removes an unnecessary home address from the draft.
What does that word mean?
Open the full glossaryYou did it.
You have practiced a useful next step. Repeat it if you want, or continue at your own pace.