How to publish a student newspaper
without getting sued, picketed or punched

By Jim Killam, Adviser, Northern Star, Northern Illinois University
jkillam@niu.edu

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - Jesus Christ
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Spiderman's Uncle

1. We are not "playing newspaper"

• The news you report will affect the people's lives. Treat it that way.
• As a journalist, it's your job to keep informed of what's going on in the world around you.
• Hold yourself and your newspaper to an even higher ethical standard than that to which you hold those you write about.
• Absolute accuracy and fairness are not optional if you want to be taken seriously as a newspaper.

2. Don't sell out

• When someone wants to give you something for free, there usually are strings attached. Decline free trips, tickets, passes, discounts, meals, CDs, DVDs, etc.
• As a general rule, don't accept anything worth more than $10, and never accept gifts of any value more than once from the same donor.
• Never use your position on the newspaper as a way to gain advantage in personal activities.
• Never conceal the truth for personal gain.
• Never give favored treatment to an advertiser, a teacher or anyone else who could make your life easier if you did.
• If you would not want it written about on the front page of the newspaper, don't do it.
• Disclose all potential conflicts of interest. They can damage your credibility.

3. Don't be a jerk

• Treat sources the way you'd want them to treat you if your roles were reversed. Remember that those sources are people.
• Don't brandish the First Amendment like a sword. A Jedi uses his light saber only when absolutely necessary. Or something like that.
• Good reporting will make people uncomfortable at times. It can destroy careers and discredit people. Don't enjoy that too much.
• Be sure your feet are firmly planted before you take a stand.
• When you make a mistake, admit it. In the paper.