USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms

USA TODAY Network’s Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms include concepts and language developed by the Radio and Television Digital News Association, USA TODAY Media leadership and USA TODAY Co.'s mission to empower communities with trusted information and content. These principles are designed to guide journalists working with any news platform, including newspapers, websites, mobile devices, video, social media channels and live story events.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

I. Seeking and reporting the truth in a truthful way

• We will be honest in the way we gather, report and present news - with relevancy, context, thoroughness and balance.
• We will seek to gain understanding of the communities, individuals and issues we cover to provide an informed account of activities.
• We will hold factual information in editorials and other opinion pieces to the same standards of accuracy as news stories.
• We will treat information from unofficial sources, which may include social media, with skepticism and will seek to corroborate information.
• When considering news content created outside of the USA TODAY Network, we will factor the credibility of the source and weigh the value and accuracy of information provided.

II. Serving the public interest

• We will uphold First Amendment principles to serve the democratic process.
• We will be vigilant watchdogs of government and institutions that affect the public, fighting to ensure that the public's business is conducted in public.
• We will seek solutions as well as expose problems and wrongdoing in order to effect change for the good in the communities we serve.
• We will provide public forums for diverse thoughts and perspectives.
• We will reflect and encourage understanding of the communities and audiences we serve.
• We will provide editorial and community leadership.
• We will seek to promote understanding of complex issues.
• When sharing editorials and other opinion articles, we will encourage and promote views that foster understanding, insight and civil discourse. We seek to offer viewpoints that represent various views on a particular topic.
• We will consider providing free access to some news coverage during public safety emergencies and as a public service when appropriate, such as elections and moments including natural disasters.

III. Exercising fair play

• We will treat people with respect and compassion.
• We will correct errors promptly and transparently.
• We will strive to include all sides relevant to a story. When news develops and we can't include important perspectives immediately, we will share updates, including additional sources, when possible. We also will share attempts to reach sources who add value to the story.
• We will explain to audiences our journalistic processes to promote transparency and engagement.
• We will give particular attention to fairness in relations with people unaccustomed to dealing with the news media.
• We will use confidential sources as the sole basis for published information only as a last resort and under specific procedures that best serve the public's right to know.

IV. Maintaining independence

• We will remain free of outside interests, investments or business relationships that may compromise the credibility of our news reporting.
• We will maintain an impartial, arm's-length relationship with anyone seeking to influence the news.
• We will not support political campaigns or causes through the display of bumper stickers, signs, pins, public/private donations, participation in demonstrations, petitions or in social media posts.
• Individual viewpoints that might cause readers to question our impartiality in news coverage should remain private. This principle does not apply to those who are paid to write and share opinion.
• We will avoid potential conflicts of interest and eliminate inappropriate influence on content.
• We will be free of improper obligations to news sources, social and digital platforms, newsmakers and advertisers.
• We will not blur the line between advertising and editorial content. We will provide appropriate disclosures, exercise transparency and avoid actual or implicit commercial endorsements by our journalists.
• When sponsorships of news are appropriate, we will not allow them to determine, change or restrict content.

V. Acting with integrity

• We will act honorably and ethically in dealing with news sources, the public and our colleagues.
• We will obey the law.
• We will observe standards of decency.
• We will take responsibility for our decisions and consider the possible consequences of our actions.
• We will be conscientious in observing these principles.
• We will use technological tools with skill and thoughtfulness, avoiding approaches that skew facts, distort reality, or sensationalize events.
• We will not plagiarize or fabricate information.
• We will not alter photos, video or audio to misrepresent events or mislead audiences.

Ethical Guidelines and Policy for USA TODAY Media Journalists Regarding AI-Generated or Assisted Content

PURPOSE

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) has emerged as a collection of helpful tools. Journalists must use AI tools approved by the AI Council, an internal cross-functional group that evaluates and guides AI tools and initiatives to ensure they align with our business goals, standards, and responsible use principles.
• This policy provides ethical guidelines for USA TODAY Network journalists using AI-generated or AI-assisted content — whether written, visual, or audio — to ensure reporting and content remains transparent, accurate, fair, and accountable.

TRANSPARENCY & DISCLOSURE

• AI is not always transparent about sourcing. AI-generated content should always be validated and confirmed by a human journalist.

ACCURACY & VERIFICATION

• We may use approved AI tools to create key points or headlines that are reviewed and approved by a human journalist or editor.
• If additional AI-generated content is published, journalists must include AI disclosure language for transparency. All AI-generated or assisted content must be verified by a human for accuracy prior to publication.

EDITORIAL JUDGMENT

• Journalists must maintain professional judgment when using AI tools and ensure all content meets USA TODAY Network editorial and ethical standards.

FAIR USE

• Journalists must comply with legal and ethical fair use standards and avoid infringing on intellectual property rights.

AI VISUAL TOOLS

• Use of generative AI visual or audio content carries significant risks related to accuracy, reputation, and copyright.
• The USA TODAY Network does not fabricate or manipulate news images.
• AI-generated images must not be used on any USA TODAY Co. Media platforms.
• Journalists must apply heightened scrutiny to externally submitted visual or audio materials, particularly during elections or breaking news events.

PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION

• Journalists must ensure AI use does not violate privacy rights or data protection laws.
• Journalists are expected not to enter personal, company, or sensitive information (e.g., birth dates, medical records, home addresses, emails) into unapproved AI tools, as this may expose individuals to harm.

BIAS & DISCRIMINATION

• Journalists must be alert to and guard against potential biases in AI-generated content.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Journalists must ensure AI-assisted content does not contribute to misinformation, disinformation, or public harm.

HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP REQUIREMENT

• USA TODAY Network requires human review prior to publication of any AI-assisted or AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
• Journalists retain final editorial responsibility for all published content.

ACCOUNTABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY

• Journalists are accountable for errors or inaccuracies and must take corrective action when necessary.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

• Journalists must receive training on ethical and effective AI use and remain informed about evolving risks.

CONCLUSION

• These guidelines ensure AI is used transparently, ethically, and responsibly across USA TODAY Media to maintain public trust.
• These guidelines may be revised as AI technology evolves.

V2 updated on April 7, 2026