Mindy McAdams has a great blog called Teaching Online Journalism. She recently posted a piece on the guidelines various news outlets have on the use of social networks by their journalists. (Journalists’ use of social media)
She drew comparisons between what the Australian Broadcasting Corp. have
- Do not mix the professional and the personal in ways likely to bring the ABC into disrepute.
- Do not undermine your effectiveness at work.
- Do not imply ABC endorsement of your personal views.
- Do not disclose confidential information obtained through work.
with the Washington Post’s guidelines.
When using these networks, nothing we do must call into question the impartiality of our news judgment. We never abandon the guidelines that govern the separation of news from opinion, the importance of fact and objectivity, the appropriate use of language and tone, and other hallmarks of our brand of journalism. … This same caution should be used when joining, following or friending any person or organization online.
McAdams wrote:
The ABC’s guidelines indicate that management regards ABC journalists and staff as responsible professionals. The Washington Post guidelines indicate a lack of respect for the intelligence and integrity of the organization’s journalists.
As a number of commentators have said: Maybe it is time for more editors to start using Twitter and Facebook so they can better understand what this social media thing is all about.
So what are the social media rules at your place?