Editorial Code of Conduct

Australian Geographic journalists and contributors comply with the code of ethics developed by the Australian Media and Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA).

The code of ethics applies across all Australian Geographic magazines and digital platforms, including social media.

• We give a fair opportunity for reply;
• Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability;
• Aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeks anonymity, we do not agree without first considering the source’s motives and any alternative attributable source where possible. Where confidences are accepted, we respect them in all circumstances;
• Do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to undermine our accuracy, fairness or independence. Our journalists and contributors will disclose shareholdings where relevant;
• Disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy, fairness or independence of our journalism. We do not improperly use a journalistic position for personal gain;
• Do not allow advertising or other commercial considerations to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence;
• Ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for interviews or information;
• Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. We never exploit a person’s vulnerability or ignorance of media practice;
• Present pictures and sound that are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead is disclosed;
• Do not plagiarise;
• Respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude; and
• Fairly correct errors.

Guidance Clause

Basic values often need interpretation and sometimes come into conflict. Ethical journalism requires conscientious decision-making in context. Only substantial advancement of the public interest or risk of substantial harm to people allows any standard to be overridden.

Personal gain

Australian Geographic journalists and contributors must not request or accept inducements of money, goods, discounts or hospitality of any kind outside the normal scope of business hospitality. Only the Editor in Chief or a nominee is authorised to accept offers of free or discounted hospitality such as travel and accommodation on behalf of a publication.

Corrections

We correct mistakes in an original story in digital versions of the story and then note the change with a correction/clarification note at the bottom of the online version.

In addition, our journalists have a duty to cooperate frankly and openly with the Editor about any problems and to report errors to them. Freelancers are also bound by this duty.

Breaches of the Code

Where a journalist or contributor is found to have breached the Australian Geographic Editorial Code of Conduct a range of actions could be taken including further training, formal performance management or termination.

Complaints

Please alert us to factual errors and/or complaints by sending an email to the Editor in Chief at [email protected] or calling us on (02) 9136 7206. 

We will respond to complaints within 2 business days of receipt.