The Field & Shutter Press - Code of Ethics

At The Field and Shutter Press, we uphold the highest ethical standards in reporting and storytelling. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire while maintaining integrity, accuracy, and respect for nature. This Journalism Code of Ethics guides all our work and ensures the credibility of our content.

Last Updated: December 5th, 2025

1. Truth, Accuracy & Accountability

We strive for accuracy in all reporting, relying on verifiable facts and credible sources.
We fact-check all information before publication and correct errors transparently if they occur. (See Corrections & Retractions for more details)
We clearly distinguish between opinion, analysis, and fact-based reporting. (See Field Notes & Perspectives: Opinion and Personal Experience for full details)
We disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect our coverage. (See Conflict of Interest for our complete policy)

2. Fairness, Balance & Objectivity

We seek to present multiple perspectives on issues, especially in conservation and environmental reporting.
We allow individuals and organizations to respond to criticism before we publish. We make a sincere effort to reach them, and if they don’t comment or do not reply, we note it.
We do not allow personal bias to shape our factual reporting. Still, we recognize that journalists, like everyone, have biases. These ethical guidelines and best practices help us minimize their impact on the fairness and accuracy of our work.

3. Ethical Sourcing

Primary Sources: We strive to utilize direct, firsthand accounts, original documents, official public records, and data obtained through mechanisms like Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
Expert Sourcing: We rely on interviews with credentialed academics, scientists, policy experts, and other recognized authorities whose expertise is directly relevant to the subject matter.
Peer-Reviewed Studies: For scientific or environmental claims, we seek to reference and verify information against reputable, peer-reviewed scientific literature and established regulatory reports.
Cross-Verification: All facts, statistics, and assertions will be cross-checked against credible sources to ensure the highest degree of accuracy before publication.

See Ethical Interview Practices for a comprehensive overview of our interview process.

4. Environmental Responsibility

We minimize our impact on nature and wildlife when reporting from the field.
We do not disturb wildlife for the sake of storytelling and will never bait, lure or call animals.
We disclose when locations are omitted to protect sensitive habitats and species from human interference.

5. Investigative Journalism

We adhere to rigorous investigative standards, employing a variety of established methods and techniques to uncover the truth and expose wrongdoing while minimizing harm and ensuring accountability. Our approach to investigative journalism is grounded in the following methods and best practices:

5.1 Research and Document Analysis

We thoroughly research topics using primary sources, public records, and official documents. This includes employing Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requests and consulting archives, court records, and other publicly available reports or documents.
We verify information by cross-checking documents from multiple credible sources to build a solid factual foundation. While official government institutions are generally considered reliable, we still critically examine their information when necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness.

5.2 Ethical Interview Practices

Informed Consent and Accuracy

All interviews, including in-depth discussions, are recorded with the explicit consent of the interviewee to ensure accuracy and accountability.
We clearly communicate the purpose of the interview and how the information will be used.
We utilize open-ended questions to avoid leading the interviewee to conclusions and to minimize bias. We follow up to clarify and probe deeper while maintaining ethical boundaries.

Attribution Protocols & Agreements

We operate on three distinct levels of information. These terms must be agreed upon by both the journalist and the source prior to the information being shared. We do not accept retroactive requests to change the status of information once it has been shared.

On the Record: This is the default status of all interviews. “On the record” means that everything the source says, including answers to specific questions, off-hand comments, or jokes, may be quoted directly and fully attributed to the source by name and title. We strive to keep the majority of our reporting on the record to uphold transparency and allow readers to know exactly who is providing the information.
On Background (Not for Attribution): Information shared “on background” may be published and quoted directly, but the source will not be identified by name. Instead, the source will be described by their position or relevance (e.g., “a senior conservation officer” or “a biologist familiar with the project”). This agreement allows sources to share sensitive information without personal exposure.

We reserve the use of “On Background” agreements for instances where the information is vital to the public interest, essential to the factual foundation of the story, and the source credibly demonstrates that disclosure of their name or title could reasonably lead to harm, reprisal, or loss of livelihood. We do not allow a source to remain anonymous to avoid scrutiny.
Off the Record: “Off the record” creates a strict boundary: the information provided cannot be published, quoted, or attributed in any way. This information is used solely for the journalist’s understanding of context or as a lead to find other evidence or sources who can speak on the record. We strictly adhere to the principle that off-the-record agreements must be explicit and mutual before the information is disclosed.
Interviewees have the right to decline answering questions or to request anonymity in situations where disclosure could result in harm.
When appropriate, we provide interviewees the limited opportunity to review and clarify their statements, particularly in cases involving complex or sensitive subject matter. However, The Field & Shutter Press will always retain exclusive and final editorial control over the narrative, framing, and content of the published article.

5.3 Data Analysis and Digital Tools

We use data journalism techniques, including the analysis and visualization of large datasets, to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that might reveal hidden aspects of a story.
We integrate digital tools and social media monitoring to track emerging leads and gauge public sentiment, ensuring that our evidence is robust and verifiable.

5.4 Undercover Reporting and Covert Methods

We reserve undercover or covert methods as a last resort, employing them only when open, transparent methods fail to yield critical information of clear public interest.
When such techniques are necessary, we strictly adhere to ethical guidelines to minimize deception and potential harm, ensuring that these methods are justified by the public benefit of the resulting information.

5.5 Verification

We implement rigorous fact-checking practices and source verification to ensure all information reported is accurate, evidence-based, and presented without sensationalism.

6. Sponsored Content, Advertising, Gifts & Transparency

We are committed to maintaining transparency and independence in our reporting. To ensure credibility and avoid undue influence, we adhere to the following principles:

Sponsorships & Affiliate Links: We disclose all sponsorships, partnerships, or affiliate links in content related to products, gear, or services. Sponsored content is clearly labeled, and our editorial judgment remains independent.
No Gifts for Coverage: We do not accept gifts, free products, paid trips, or other incentives in exchange for favorable coverage. Our reporting is based solely on merit, accuracy, and honest assessment.
Product Reviews & Unsolicited Items: If we receive a product or service for potential review, we will clearly disclose this. Our reviews remain objective, and receiving a product does not guarantee coverage.
Press Trips & Sponsored Travel: If we participate in a press trip or receive travel assistance from an organization, we will disclose this in our content. However, we maintain full editorial control over what we report.
Guest Contributions & External Content: Any guest contributions or external content are vetted for accuracy, ethical compliance, and transparency. We ensure that all published material meets our ethical standards.
Editorial Independence: We do not allow financial relationships to influence our editorial content. Sponsored material is kept separate from our independent reporting, and we always prioritize integrity in our storytelling.

7. Reader Engagement & Social Media

We welcome reader feedback and provide a process for submitting comments.
We moderate comments/replies on our platforms and social media to ensure respectful discussions.
Likes, comments, saves, or follows on social media are not endorsements or indications of agreement with the content.

8. Field Notes & Perspectives: Opinion and Personal Experience

This section of The Field and Shutter Press is dedicated to personal experiences, reflections, and perspectives.
Content in this section will include personal bias, opinions, and subjective storytelling.
While we strive for accuracy, these pieces are not held to the same standard of objectivity as investigative or factual reporting.
Readers should distinguish these stories as personal narratives rather than hard news.

9. Corrections & Retractions

We are committed to accuracy and transparency. If errors are identified, we correct them promptly.
Minor errors (e.g., typos) will be updated without formal notice, while significant errors affecting the substance of a story will be corrected with an acknowledgment, typically a note at the bottom.
In cases of major inaccuracies, a retraction or clarification will be issued.
Readers can report errors here, and all corrections will be handled in a timely and responsible manner.

10. Conflict of Interest

We are committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in our reporting and storytelling. To ensure objectivity and transparency, we adhere to the following conflict of interest guidelines:

Disclosure: We disclose any personal, financial, or professional relationships that may create a conflict of interest in our reporting. If we have a connection to a subject, organization, or individual featured in our content, we will clearly state this in the coverage.
Avoiding Bias: We do not allow personal relationships, sponsorships, or financial interests to influence our editorial decisions. If we cannot report on a topic impartially due to a conflict of interest, we will recuse ourselves from covering it.
Sponsorship & Partnerships: Any sponsorships, partnerships, or collaborations are disclosed transparently, and they do not influence our editorial content. Our reporting remains independent, even when working with brands or organizations.
Freelance & External Work: If we engage in external writing, consulting, or speaking engagements, we ensure they do not interfere with our journalistic independence or create conflicts with our reporting.

This Journalism Code of Ethics serves as a foundation for The Field and Shutter Press, ensuring that our content remains trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated to the principles of ethical storytelling.

The Field & Shutter Press