Objectivity is the most scrutinized principles and ethics that journalists have today as it is the idea of keeping their biases out and only stick to the observable facts. If the ball is red, the ball is not an orangey-pink.
Thoroughness involves doing all the work that is to be done, including doing extra work to make sure you have all the facts that you need and then some, just in case.
Accuracy is a very crucial part of journalism. This principle makes sure that names are spelled correctly, there are no misquotes, etc. Ways to make sure accuracy is achieved with each article are to check, then double check everything. During an interview, use a recorder or at the end make sure you run through all info with the inteviewee.
Fairness is different to each journalist, just as the word is different to each person and situation in life, but basically it just means that all sides are covered without blowing one side up. Bob and Bill both deserve the same amount of coverage and the field hockey and soccer teams get the same amount of space in the paper.
When something is transparent, one can see through it. Readers need to be able to see through the story and know where the information came from that is presented.
Some ways to achieve these principles is to double check and triple check to make sure everything is accurate, approach every interview and story with an open mind to avoid objectivity, and within each story, make sure the sources of the info is transparent and obvious.
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