Guidelines for use of social networks for journalists

The report The 10 Best Practices for Social Media commissioned by the American Society of News Editors (ASNE) contains guidelines and useful experiences to help journalists to manage their professional presence on social networks.

The Spanish version of the document: The 10 best practices for social media ( PDF ), the care of Guillermo Franco, is a highly recommended text as "framework to help publishers create their own policies" of social media.

In addition to the ten guidelines regarding professional ethics, relations with sources and readers, verification of information, transparency, exclusive management and confidentiality, the report contains a useful appendix which lists social media policies for several news organizations , including including: Bloomberg , Guardian , The Wall Street Journal , Los Angeles Times , The New York Times and The Washington Post .

The summary of key points:

1. The traditional ethical rules also apply 'online'

2. Assume that everything you write 'online' will become public

3. Use social media to interact with readers, but professionally

4. Publish breaking news (exclusive) on its website, not on Twitter

5. Beware of perceptions

6. Independently authenticate anything found in a social networking site

7. Always identify yourself as a journalist himself

8. Social networks are tools, not toys

9. Be transparent and admit when you're wrong 'online'

10. Maintain confidentiality of internal deliberations

Two of the most repeated messages on the recommendations of the ASNE is the life of the professional ethics of journalism in social networks and the need for common sense and prudence. In the words of John Robinson, editor of The Greensboro News & Record : "I've told my staff that my social media policy is this: do not be stupid."