The American Society of News Editors has created list of “10 best practices for social media.” The 50-page guide was written by POLITICO reporter James Hohmann.
The guide highlights ten main points:
- “Traditional ethics rules still apply online.”
- “Assume everything you write online will become public.”
- “Use social media to engage with readers, but professionally.”
- “Break news on your website, not on Twitter.”
- “Beware of perceptions”
- “Independently authenticate anything found on a social networking site.”
- Always identify yourself as a journalist.”
- “Social networks are tools not toys.”
- “Be transparent and admit when you’re wrong online.”
- “Keep internal deliberations confidential.”
In expanded sections about the ten points, the guide features case studies illustrating the point and some policies from news outlets.