Conflict of interest: something all journalists should have in the back of their minds at all times.
The SPJ Code of Ethics states that journalists should, "avoid conflict of interest, real or perceived," and "remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility."
Journalists frequently change beats or refrain from reporting on a subject due to conflict of interest. Ken Krayeske announced in 2009 that he would no longer report on the city of Hartford and the Mayor because of his girlfriend's position in the mayor's office. He opted for true objectivity instead of attempting objectivity. I find this admirable, because ethically journalists should not have any bias and having a close relation affiliated with a story can jeopardize that.
Other examples have popped up recently. NPR's Michele Norris stepped down for "All Things Considered" because of her husband's position in the Obama re-election campaign earlier this month.
However, columnist George Will decided not to step down after disclosing that his wife works on Rick Perry's policial campaign. How is that any different from Norris's situation? Should Will step down for purely journalist purposes?
Journalists have a duty to the public to "seek truth and report it" but how true can a story be with an built-in bias?
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