The Argonaut, a print weekly and online daily publication, is entirely produced by students of the University of Idaho. Without the diligent work and dedication of UI student-journalists, the production of The Argonaut, both online and in print, would not be possible. The Argonaut, as well as all branches of UI Student Media, encourages students to improve upon their skills and further their learning.
In addition to providing publication experience for UI students, Student Media helps student employees better understand the importance of transparency within an ever-changing media landscape.
The Argonaut’s transparency policy covers (1) ethics, (2) sourcing, (3) fact checking, (4) corrections and updates and (5) editorial integrity.
These standards were created by the 2018-2019 Argonaut editorial staff and will be upheld by the entire Argonaut staff.
1. Ethics —
The Argonaut adheres to the ethical practices of the Society of Professional Journalists. According to the SPJ Code of Ethics, The Argonaut and all its staff will seek the truth and report it, minimize any potential harm to sources or readers, act independently of outside influences, be accountable for all information provided and be transparent in the reporting process.
2. Sources —
All information (not common knowledge) provided by The Argonaut will come from a verified source. Facts not directly derived from an interview with a source will be properly attributed within magazine content. All information derived from an interview with a source will be thoroughly fact checked before publication.
Although this does not often occur, anonymous sourcing will be allowed in The Argonaut under some circumstances. The Argonaut’s editorial staff, along with the writer, will decide if anonymous sourcing should be utilized on a case-by-case basis.
According to Argonaut reporting guidelines, interviewed sources may not pre-approve full articles. The writer may work with their sources to ensure accuracy and thorough storytelling before publication.
3. Fact Checking —
All staff members are expected to fact check their articles before submitting for editing. During the editing process, all articles will be fact checked with additional research for thorough factual accuracy.
4. Corrections and Updates —
In the instance an article requires a correction or update for clarity, the writer and editorial staff will make changes as seen fit.
Any corrections and updates will be properly inserted into the body copy of the article online and noted at the bottom of the web page.
Any questions about corrections and updates can be directed to the editor-in-chief of The Argonaut.
5. Editorial Integrity —
The Argonaut editorial staff will uphold the highest editorial integrity in regard all parts of its publication process.