Reuters gives journalists social media etiquette

by Cathy Freeman

Social media has done more for us than help us stalk our favorite celebrities. It is transforming the newsroom; from the way we find sources to the way we distribute stories. The news is benefitting from this broadened scope of real-time information, but it isn’t without its detractors.

In order to provide a much-needed sense of structure in the chaotic world of tweeting and friending, it’s imperative for organizations to develop specific social media policies that clearly enforce guidelines and expectations.

Queue Reuters, which released its controversial social media guidelines this week as a part of its revered journalism handbook. These principles are a good reminder for traditional and citizen journalists alike.

Reuters' Recommendations

Think before you post

Create a criteria checklist that adds validity to your content. Reuters' example: would you want your post on the front page of the paper associated with your name? This pre-post ritual will ensure that you aren’t archiving emotional outbursts in the digital perma-cloud.

Avoid raising questions about your freedom from bias

Every Facebook group, page link and Google image can be tied to your name or your organization’s brand. Eliminate suspicions of bias before they even start – don’t link.

Be transparent

This is a pretty standard expectation, especially for a news organization. Be clear about your intentions on any personal blog or social networking profile and post everything under your real name. Always notify your audience if and when someone else is posting under your name.

If you use social networks for both professional and private activity then use separate accounts

In the policy’s intro, it warns against the blurring of professional and personal content and suggests Reuters’ employees keep all accounts appropriate. It cautions, “anything you post on a social media site may be made public,” despite the use of privacy settings.

Seek the permission of your manager before setting up a professional presence on a social networking site

Know who is speaking on behalf of your brand and what they’re saying. Also know that if you are friending or following sources you might be losing your competitive edge.

Twitter

In Reuters’ case, it warns against “scooping the wire” by breaking stories via Twitter. All in all, this policy might have significant implications for the future of the news’ perspective on social media.